CVE-2022-41995 in Gallery Images Ape Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/02/2025
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Galleryape Gallery Images Ape allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Gallery Images Ape: from n/a through 2.2.8.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41995 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Galleryape Gallery Images Ape plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness stems from improperly configured access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to bypass intended security restrictions. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 2.2.8, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to exploit weak authentication controls. The affected plugin operates within the WordPress ecosystem where proper authorization controls are essential for maintaining the integrity of media management functionalities and user access permissions. This misconfiguration creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate gallery configurations and potentially access restricted content or administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through inadequate validation of user permissions during gallery management operations. When users attempt to perform administrative actions within the gallery plugin interface, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary authorization levels. This flaw typically occurs when the plugin does not adequately check user roles or capabilities before executing sensitive operations such as image uploads, gallery modifications, or configuration changes. The vulnerability allows attackers to leverage their access to perform operations that should be restricted to administrators or authorized personnel only. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a classic authorization bypass vulnerability that can be categorized under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data exposure and system compromise. Attackers exploiting this weakness can manipulate gallery configurations, upload malicious content, or modify existing media assets without proper authentication. This creates risks for organizations relying on the plugin for content management, as unauthorized modifications can lead to defacement, data corruption, or the introduction of malicious code into the website infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress installations where the Galleryape plugin is deployed, making it a significant concern for content management systems that handle sensitive media content. Security professionals should note that this issue can be leveraged to escalate privileges and potentially gain broader access to the underlying web application or server environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of the Gallery Images Ape plugin where the authorization flaw has been addressed. System administrators must also conduct thorough audits of user permissions and access controls within their WordPress installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include verifying that all user roles are properly configured with appropriate access levels and that no unauthorized users possess administrative capabilities within the gallery management system. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous access patterns or unauthorized modifications to gallery configurations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls and access control mechanisms that can detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to sensitive administrative interfaces. This vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and proper access control configuration in preventing unauthorized system modifications and maintaining overall security posture.