CVE-2022-40195 in PCA Predict Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2022
Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in PCA Predict plugin <= 1.0.3 at WordPress.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2022
The authenticated stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40195 affects the PCA Predict plugin version 1.0.3 and earlier within the WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability requires an authenticated administrator-level user to exploit, making it particularly concerning as it allows for persistent malicious code execution within the targeted WordPress environment. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input data that gets stored and subsequently reflected in web pages without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests when administrators interact with the PCA Predict plugin's administrative interface, where user-supplied data is stored in the database without adequate input validation or output encoding. When this stored data is later retrieved and displayed in web pages, the malicious script code is executed within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content. This creates a persistent XSS attack vector that can affect any user who accesses pages containing the maliciously stored data, regardless of their privilege level. The vulnerability follows CWE-79 which classifies cross-site scripting as a common web application security flaw where improperly sanitized user input is reflected back to users in a web page context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement. An attacker with administrator privileges can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists even after the initial exploitation, creating a long-term threat that can affect multiple users over time. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers the use of malicious file content in web applications to execute arbitrary code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading the PCA Predict plugin to a patched version that properly sanitizes and encodes user input before storage and retrieval. Administrators should also implement proper input validation at multiple layers of the application, including server-side validation and output encoding to prevent malicious scripts from being executed. Network-based solutions such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection, though they should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. Regular security audits and privilege least-privilege principles should be enforced to minimize potential damage from compromised administrator accounts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices in web application development, particularly for plugins that handle user data in administrative contexts.