The CVE-2022-2190 vulnerability affects the Envira Gallery plugin for WordPress versions prior to 1.8.4.7. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the application by not escaping the $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'] parameter before outputting it back in an attribute, potentially leading to reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) in older web browsers.
With a CVSS score of 6.1, this medium-severity vulnerability presents a noted risk to organizations utilizing the affected plugin. The vulnerability's exploitation could enable attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by unsuspecting users, leading to unauthorized actions and data exposure.
Currently, there is a known exploit available for this vulnerability, and organizations using the affected versions should take immediate action. The published date of this vulnerability was October 31, 2022, and it remains critical for defenders to understand the associated risks.
Given the nature of this issue, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Failure to address this vulnerability could facilitate successful attacks against their web applications.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, classified under CWE-79, is characterized by the inadequate escaping of user-supplied data. The affected product, Envira Gallery, is a widely used plugin in WordPress installations, making it a target for attackers looking to exploit its vulnerabilities.
Organizations using versions prior to 1.8.4.7 are urged to implement the latest updates to safeguard against potential attacks. This vulnerability's publication highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures within web applications.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2022-2190 is the failure to correctly sanitize user input derived from the $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'] parameter. This oversight enables attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the web pages rendered by browsers, particularly those that do not implement strict security measures.
The attack vector is primarily network-based, with low attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. User interaction is required, as the victim must visit a manipulated URL. Consequently, the potential impacts include low confidentiality and integrity impacts, with no availability impact.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized script execution, which can lead to session hijacking, defacement, or other malicious actions that compromise user data and trust. The blast radius of this vulnerability is significant due to the widespread use of the plugin across various WordPress sites.
Organizations should assess the urgency of this vulnerability based on their deployment of the Envira Gallery plugin. Given its CVSS score of 6.1 and the available exploit, this vulnerability should be addressed in priority patch cycles.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to 1.8.4.7 of the Envira Gallery plugin are affected. Organizations must ensure they are running the latest version to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should update to the latest version of the Envira Gallery plugin, specifically version 1.8.4.7 or later, to remediate this vulnerability. If an immediate update is not feasible, consider implementing input validation to sanitize the $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'] parameter and prevent script injection.
For ongoing security assurance, organizations may also engage in penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their applications.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for suspicious requests that manipulate the $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'] parameter. Look for unusual patterns or repeated access attempts that may indicate an attack.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The emergence of CVE-2022-2190 highlights the ongoing challenges related to web application security, particularly in user input handling. Organizations are reminded of the importance of implementing comprehensive input sanitization measures to mitigate risks associated with reflected XSS vulnerabilities.
Security teams should consider adopting a proactive approach towards application security by incorporating regular security assessments and adopting best practices in secure coding. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that vulnerabilities can be exploited if not adequately managed.
For more information on securing applications and preventing similar vulnerabilities, organizations may refer to our vulnerability management program and the latest trends in application security.
Additionally, organizations should remain vigilant and stay informed about emerging threats by following penetration testing methodology and adapting their security posture accordingly.
Engaging in continuous security assessments through penetration testing reports can further enhance an organization's ability to detect and respond to vulnerabilities effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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