CVE-2022-47423 in WP-dTree Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2023
Auth. (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Ulf Benjaminsson WP-dTree plugin <= 4.4.5 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2023
The CVE-2022-47423 vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the WP-dTree plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 4.4.5 and earlier, creating a significant security risk for WordPress administrators and users who rely on this plugin for tree structure visualization and management. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of user input within administrative interfaces, where malicious actors can inject malicious scripts that persist in the database and execute whenever affected pages are loaded. The vulnerability requires authentication at the administrator level or higher, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by compromised administrator accounts or through privilege escalation techniques that bypass standard authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's administrative components. When administrators or users with elevated privileges interact with the plugin's tree management features, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before storing it in the database. This stored data is subsequently retrieved and displayed without adequate encoding or filtering, creating an environment where malicious javascript code can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability specifically impacts the plugin's ability to properly escape and validate data entered into tree node names, descriptions, or other configurable elements that are rendered in the administrative interface. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-47423 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker with administrator privileges could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, inject additional malicious code, or even escalate privileges further within the WordPress installation. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payloads persist even after the initial attack, creating ongoing risks for all users who access affected pages. This vulnerability also provides potential for data exfiltration, as attackers can craft scripts to collect sensitive information from the administrative interface or user sessions. The impact is particularly severe given that WordPress administrators typically possess extensive privileges within the web application, potentially allowing full compromise of the entire WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-47423 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions 4.4.6 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of their WordPress installations to detect any unauthorized modifications to the WP-dTree plugin or related files. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all installed plugins, focusing particularly on those with administrative interfaces that process user input. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, including database storage, API endpoints, and user interface components, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from manifesting in other parts of the system. The remediation process should also include reviewing and strengthening authentication controls, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and establishing regular security scanning procedures for WordPress installations. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as additional protective measures. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1548.003 for privilege escalation through the exploitation of administrative interface vulnerabilities, making it a critical target for immediate remediation efforts.