CVE-2022-4714 in WP Dark Mode
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2023
The WP Dark Mode WordPress plugin before 4.0.0 does not validate and escape one of its shortcode attributes, which could allow users with a role as low as contributor to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attack
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4714 affects the WP Dark Mode WordPress plugin version 4.0.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's shortcode attribute handling, specifically targeting the contributor user role which represents one of the lowest privileged levels in WordPress. The vulnerability allows attackers with minimal permissions to inject malicious scripts that persist in the database and execute whenever the affected content is rendered, making it particularly dangerous for sites with multiple user roles or those that allow contributor-level access to content creation.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the plugin's shortcode processing functionality where user-supplied attributes are not properly sanitized before being stored in the WordPress database. This weakness creates a persistent XSS vector because the malicious code is saved as part of the content rather than being filtered out during input processing. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's ability to handle certain shortcode parameters, allowing an attacker to inject JavaScript code through the plugin's interface. When the shortcode is rendered on the frontend or backend, the stored malicious script executes in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system. This flaw aligns with CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities as the improper handling of input data that is then reflected back to users without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold that can escalate to more serious compromises. Contributors typically have limited capabilities such as creating and editing posts, but with this vulnerability, they can potentially gain access to sensitive data or manipulate the site's functionality. The stored nature of the XSS attack means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, making it difficult to detect and remove without thorough database inspection. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where contributor accounts might be compromised or where users with contributor roles have access to sensitive content management areas. The attack can be executed through the plugin's shortcode interface, making it accessible to attackers who might not have direct access to the site's codebase but can manipulate content through the standard WordPress interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4714 primarily involve immediate patching of the WP Dark Mode plugin to version 4.0.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including restricting contributor permissions to minimize potential damage, conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins, and implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application. Regular monitoring of the WordPress database for suspicious entries and implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping practices, particularly when dealing with user-generated content that gets stored in databases and subsequently rendered to other users. This issue reinforces the ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation through web application vulnerabilities, where low-privilege users can leverage application flaws to gain broader access or execute malicious code within the target environment.