CVE-2022-4555 in WP Shamsi Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
The WP Shamsi plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to a missing capability check on the deactivate() function hooked via init() in versions up to, and including, 4.1.0. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to deactivate arbitrary plugins on the site. This can be used to deactivate security plugins that aids in exploiting other vulnerabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The WP Shamsi plugin vulnerability represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security posture of WordPress installations. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's deactivate() function which is improperly hooked to the init() action hook, creating a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to manipulate plugin states without proper authentication. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 4.1.0, making it a widespread concern across numerous WordPress deployments that rely on this plugin for Persian date formatting and calendar functionality. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization" issues where the system fails to properly verify that an actor has sufficient permissions to perform a requested action.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of capability checks within the deactivate() function that should normally require administrative privileges to modify plugin states. When the init() hook executes, it triggers the deactivate() function without validating whether the requesting user possesses the necessary capabilities to perform such operations. This design flaw allows any visitor to the website to submit requests that deactivate plugins, effectively removing active security measures from the system. The operational impact extends beyond simple plugin deactivation as attackers can target security plugins, creating cascading vulnerabilities that may enable further exploitation. The attack vector requires no authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through simple web requests or automated scanning tools.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe and align with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script injection, T1078 for valid accounts, and T1566 for credential harvesting. Attackers can leverage this weakness to systematically disable security plugins such as two-factor authentication modules, malware scanners, or firewall solutions, thereby weakening the overall security infrastructure. This creates opportunities for subsequent attacks including credential theft, data exfiltration, or system compromise. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's development lifecycle, suggesting inadequate security testing and code review processes. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanners, making it a prime target for mass exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization bypass, while implementing additional security controls such as restricting access to administrative functions through web application firewalls. Network-level protections should monitor for unusual plugin deactivation patterns, and administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify any plugins that may have been compromised. The vulnerability highlights the importance of capability checks in WordPress plugin development and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing before releasing software updates. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify similar authorization flaws in other plugins and themes that may pose comparable risks to their WordPress environments.