CVE-2022-41791 in ProfileGrid Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2022
Auth. (subscriber+) CSV Injection vulnerability in ProfileGrid plugin <= 5.1.6 on WordPress.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2025
The CVE-2022-41791 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass issue affecting the ProfileGrid plugin version 5.1.6 and earlier on WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of CSV data exports, creating a scenario where authenticated users with subscriber-level permissions or higher can exploit a csv injection flaw. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's data export functionality, particularly when processing user-generated content that may contain malicious csv injection payloads. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate exported csv files in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution or data compromise within the target environment.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's CSV export mechanism where user-submitted data is not properly escaped or sanitized before being written to csv files. When the profilegrid plugin processes user profiles containing specially crafted csv injection sequences, these sequences can be interpreted by csv parsers as executable commands or formulas. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that executes when the csv file is opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. The vulnerability operates under CWE-1236 which specifically addresses the improper handling of CSV injection in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. An authenticated subscriber can leverage this flaw to create malicious csv files that, when downloaded and opened by other users, could execute arbitrary code on their systems. This creates a vector for lateral movement within the network, particularly if the target users have higher privileges or if the csv files are processed by automated systems. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can manipulate exported user data to include malicious payloads that compromise the entire system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41791 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 5.1.7 or later where the csv injection vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all user-submitted data that may be exported to csv formats. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual csv file downloads or processing activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of potentially malicious csv files and establish proper access controls to limit user permissions to only what is necessary for their roles. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and keeping all plugins and themes updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities that could be leveraged for more serious attacks.