CVE-2023-22682 in Pixedelic.Com Camera Slideshow Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2023
Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Manuel Masia | Pixedelic.Com Camera slideshow plugin <= 1.4.0.1 versions.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-22682 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw within the Manuel Masia | Pixedelic.Com Camera slideshow WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1.4.0.1. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by unsuspecting users. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape and filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content, thereby enabling attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user input through HTTP parameters or other request variables without appropriate sanitization measures. When a malicious user crafts a specially crafted URL containing script tags or other malicious payloads and tricks a victim into visiting the page, the plugin fails to properly encode the input data, allowing the injected scripts to execute within the victim's browser. This reflected nature means that the malicious payload is not stored on the server but rather reflected back to the user through the application's response, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional server-side storage-based security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could potentially steal administrator cookies or session tokens, gaining unauthorized access to the WordPress administration panel and potentially compromising the entire website. The vulnerability affects any website utilizing the affected plugin version, making it a significant risk for WordPress installations that have not updated to patched versions. Additionally, the reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the attack can be delivered through various vectors including email phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or social engineering tactics that direct users to malicious URLs.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The issue demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding that violate fundamental security principles for web application development. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which involves phishing with malicious attachments or links, as the reflected XSS can be effectively delivered through crafted web links. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including updating to the latest plugin version, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining up-to-date software components, as outdated plugins remain one of the most common attack vectors in web application security breaches.