CVE-2022-4058 in Photo Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2022
The Photo Gallery by 10Web WordPress plugin before 1.8.3 does not validate and escape some parameters before outputting them back in in JS code later on in another page, which could lead to Stored XSS issue when an attacker makes a logged in admin open a malicious URL or page under their control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2023
The Photo Gallery by 10Web WordPress plugin vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that emerged in versions prior to 1.8.3. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's javascript code generation process. The vulnerability specifically affects how the plugin handles user-supplied parameters that are subsequently embedded into javascript contexts without proper sanitization, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be persistently stored and executed.
The technical flaw manifests when administrators interact with maliciously crafted URLs or pages that trigger the vulnerable plugin code path. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS issue because the malicious javascript code becomes permanently embedded within the plugin's output, rather than being reflected from a single request. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary javascript in the context of any administrator who visits a page containing the malicious content, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to administrative functions within the WordPress environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain full control over the website, including the ability to modify content, steal user credentials, install malicious plugins, or even establish backdoors for continued access. The risk is particularly severe because it requires only that an administrator clicks on a malicious link or visits a compromised page, making it highly exploitable in phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege and creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
Organizations should immediately update to version 1.8.3 or later of the Photo Gallery by 10Web plugin to remediate this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing strict content security policies, monitoring for unusual administrative activities, and ensuring that WordPress core, themes, and plugins remain updated through automated systems. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not replace proper patch management. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of all installed plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement proper input validation across all user-facing code paths. The incident highlights the critical importance of proper sanitization of dynamic content in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in code can lead to severe security consequences.