CVE-2022-45838 - Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability in Repute InfoSystems ARForms Form Builder Plugin <= 1.5.5

A newly discovered vulnerability (CVE-2022-45838) exists in Repute InfoSystems' ARForms Form Builder plugin, which affects versions up to and including 1.5.5. If exploited, this unauthenticated stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability can allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's web browser, potentially leading to account takeover, data exfiltration, and other undesirable outcomes. This post will elucidate the specifics of the vulnerability, its potential impact and the necessary steps required to mitigate the risk posed by this security flaw.

Technical Details

The ARForms plugin for WordPress allows users to create and manage custom forms on their websites. In affected versions of the plugin, user input is not properly sanitized, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads into form submissions, which are then stored on the server and can be executed when an administrator or other user views the stored data.

Here's a simple example of the exploit

POST /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php HTTP/1.1
Host: target.com
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
Content-Length: 104

action=arf_save_entry&entry_id=&form_id=1&field1=<script>alert("XSS");</script>&field2=test

In this HTTP request, the malicious payload - <script>alert("XSS");</script> - is inserted into the field1 parameter. When the form data is viewed by an administrator or other user, the script is executed in their browser.

For a more in-depth explanation and technical details about the vulnerability, refer to the original advisory and the CVE-2022-45838 entry on the MITRE website.

Potential Impact

The unauthenticated nature of this vulnerability means that any attacker can exploit it without needing a registered user account, increasing the potential attack surface. Successful exploitation can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including:

Data exfiltration, where sensitive information is obtained and sent to the attacker.

3. Defacement of the website by injecting malicious scripts that modify the appearance or functionality of the site.
4. Distribution of malware or phishing campaigns, as the attacker can manipulate content on the affected website.

Mitigation

To protect your website from potential exploitation of this vulnerability, it is imperative to take the following steps:

1. Update ARForms Form Builder plugin: If you are using a vulnerable version of the plugin (<= 1.5.5), you should immediately update it to the latest version. You can download the latest version from the WordPress Plugins Repository.
2. Ensure proper input sanitization and validation: Implementing these security measures will help prevent the introduction of malicious payloads into forms.
3. Monitor for malicious activity: Regularly review logs and implement intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to any potential security breaches promptly.
4. Limit user permissions: Ensure that only trusted users have access to sensitive data and administrative functions.

Conclusion

The unauthenticated stored cross-site scripting vulnerability (CVE-2022-45838) in Repute InfoSystems' ARForms Form Builder plugin can have significant implications if left unaddressed. It is crucial for website administrators to update their installations, employ secure coding practices like input sanitization, and limit user permissions to minimize the potential impact of this security flaw.

Timeline

Published on: 04/18/2023 13:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 04/26/2023 17:09:00 UTC