CVE-2022-45812 in Exxp Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/08/2023
Auth. (subscriber+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Martin Lees Exxp plugin <= 2.6.8 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2026
This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Martin Lees Exxp plugin for WordPress, affecting versions 2.6.8 and earlier. The flaw allows authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or higher to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's administrative interfaces, which are then executed when other users view the affected pages. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, specifically in how user-submitted data is processed and rendered within the admin dashboard. This represents a classic stored XSS attack vector where malicious payloads persist in the application's database and execute automatically when accessed by other users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only subscriber-level privileges, making it accessible to users who have basic account access but should not have administrative capabilities. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security. The attack follows the ATT&CK framework pattern T1566.001: Phishing with Malicious Attachments, where the malicious script serves as the payload that executes in the victim's browser context. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can potentially lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or further privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions, manipulate content, or redirect users to malicious sites. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious scripts remain persistent in the system until manually removed, creating ongoing security risks for all users who access the affected plugin interfaces. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the WordPress installation, as it allows unauthorized modification of the administrative interface and potential data exfiltration. The security implications are compounded by the fact that subscribers typically have limited access rights, but this vulnerability effectively bypasses normal access controls by exploiting the stored XSS mechanism. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in input sanitization and output encoding, which are fundamental requirements for preventing XSS attacks in web applications. Organizations using this plugin must urgently update to versions beyond 2.6.8 to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate plugin functionality but potentially the entire WordPress installation's security posture, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with a foothold for further attacks. Mitigation strategies include immediate plugin updates, implementing proper input validation at all user-facing interfaces, and establishing robust output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious script injection attempts in their administrative interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits and the necessity of keeping all third-party plugins updated to protect against known security flaws. This particular XSS vulnerability falls under the category of persistent attacks that can cause long-term security degradation, making prompt remediation essential for maintaining the overall security of WordPress installations. The impact extends to compliance requirements, as this vulnerability could potentially violate data protection regulations due to the exposure of sensitive administrative functions to unauthorized users.