CVE-2022-0591 is a critical vulnerability found in the FormCraft WordPress plugin prior to version 3.8.28. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to exploit server-side request forgery (SSRF) issues due to the failure to validate the URL parameter in the formcraft3_get AJAX action. This can lead to unauthorized access to internal resources, potentially compromising sensitive information.
With a CVSS score of 9.1, this vulnerability is categorized as critical, indicating a significant threat to organizations utilizing the affected plugin. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to internal services and data leaks, which can result in severe reputational damage and compliance violations.
There have been no confirmed public exploits at this time; however, organizations should remain vigilant as the exploitability score indicates a high likelihood of exploitation. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate these risks.
Given the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact, it is crucial for organizations to take immediate action to update to FormCraft version 3.8.28 or later.
Vulnerability Details
The FormCraft WordPress plugin before 3.8.28 does not validate the URL parameter in the formcraft3_get AJAX action, leading to SSRF issues exploitable by unauthenticated users. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-918.
The CVSS score of 9.1 reflects a high severity level due to the critical nature of the vulnerability and the potential for significant impact on confidentiality and integrity.
The vulnerability was published on March 21, 2022, and has been modified since its initial disclosure. The affected product is the FormCraft plugin developed by SubtleWebInc.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2022-0591 stems from insufficient validation of user input, specifically the URL parameter in the AJAX action. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious requests that target internal resources.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. The attack complexity is low, making it easily exploitable. There are no required privileges for exploitation, which further increases the risk.
The impact of successful exploitation can be severe, affecting confidentiality and integrity. The availability impact is rated as none, meaning the service remains operational despite the vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of the vulnerable FormCraft plugin poses significant risks, especially in environments where sensitive data is managed. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain access to internal services, which can lead to further exploitation of the network.
The blast radius potential is high, as unauthorized access could lead to exposure of critical internal systems and data. Organizations should assess their exposure and the potential impact of this vulnerability on their operations.
Given the CVSS score and the high exploitation likelihood, organizations must act swiftly. The urgency is critical; organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of the FormCraft plugin prior to version 3.8.28 are affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately update to FormCraft version 3.8.28 or later. If the patch cannot be applied, consider disabling the plugin until the update can be performed.
Organizations should also implement stringent input validation measures and conduct regular security assessments to identify and rectify such vulnerabilities in the future. For comprehensive security evaluations, organizations can consider engaging in penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual outbound requests that may indicate SSRF activity. Behavioral anomalies around the use of the formcraft3_get AJAX action should also be investigated.
Network signatures that identify unauthorized access attempts can also be useful in detecting exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The CVE-2022-0591 vulnerability exemplifies the risks associated with insufficient input validation, particularly in web applications that handle user-generated content. Security teams must ensure robust validation mechanisms are in place to mitigate such vulnerabilities.
Continuous monitoring and updates are essential in maintaining security posture against evolving threats. Security professionals should also focus on developing a vulnerability management program that emphasizes proactive identification and remediation of vulnerabilities.
Engaging in regular security assessments, such as penetration testing methodology, can help uncover similar vulnerabilities and bolster overall security.
Lastly, understanding the trends in vulnerabilities, such as those discussed in the 2025 vulnerability exposure severity trends, allows organizations to adjust their defensive strategies accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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