CVE-2022-38703 in MaxButtons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2022
Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Max Foundry Button Plugin MaxButtons plugin <= 9.2 at WordPress
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2022
The CVE-2022-38703 vulnerability represents a critical authenticated stored cross-site scripting flaw within the Max Foundry Button Plugin MaxButtons WordPress plugin version 9.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets administrative users with privileges equal to or greater than administrator level, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privileged access is common. The flaw exists in how the plugin processes and stores user input within button configuration parameters, creating a persistent XSS vector that can execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated admin sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's administrative interface. When administrators configure button parameters through the WordPress dashboard, the plugin fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before storing it in the database. This stored data is subsequently retrieved and rendered without appropriate context-aware escaping, allowing malicious payloads to persist and execute whenever the affected page is accessed by authenticated users. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws due to insufficient input validation and output escaping.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to fully compromise administrative sessions and potentially gain complete control over WordPress installations. An attacker with administrative privileges can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious JavaScript that can steal session cookies, modify content, install backdoors, or even redirect users to malicious sites. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, creating a long-term threat vector that can affect multiple users over extended periods. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics that can be amplified through persistent malicious content.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the vendor has released patches for this specific flaw. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads. Additionally, administrative users should be educated about the risks of clicking suspicious links or visiting untrusted sites, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting administrative access to only those users who require such elevated permissions, thereby reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation.