CVE-2022-47171: Exploring the Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability in Paul C. Schroeder's IP Vault – WP Firewall Plugin (Version <= 1.1)

CVE-2022-47171 refers to an Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation vulnerability, more commonly known as a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This vulnerability was identified in the "IP Vault – WP Firewall" plugin for WordPress, developed by Paul C. Schroeder. Versions of the plugin affected are those less than or equal to 1.1. In this post, we will discuss the details of this vulnerability, provide a code snippet showcasing the issue, and provide links to original references and potential exploit scenarios.

Vulnerability Details

The plugin in question is designed to provide a higher level of security for WordPress websites, however, this identified vulnerability contradicts the core objective. The vulnerability is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue, which means that a malicious user can inject a script into a page that, when viewed by other users, will cause their browsers to execute the injected code.

This offers a considerable security risk because an attacker can inject a malicious script that steals user data, defaces the website, or executes other malicious actions within the affected user’s browser. It is crucial to understand such vulnerabilities and how to mitigate them in order to ensure the security of your WordPress site.

CVE number: CVE-2022-47171
Affected versions: <= 1.1
Vulnerability type: Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Risk level: High

Code Snippet

The issue arises when user input is not properly sanitized before being saved in the WordPress database, leading to a stored XSS vulnerability. Here is a simple example of the problematic code:

$user_ip = $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR'];
$comment = $_POST['comment'];
// Missing proper sanitization of user input
$prepared_data = array('user_ip' => $user_ip, 'comment' => $comment);
$wpdb->insert('wp_plugin_table', $prepared_data);

To properly mitigate this vulnerability, one must sanitize the user inputs before using them. Here's an example of a secure way to handle user inputs:

$user_ip = sanitize_text_field($_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']);
$comment = sanitize_text_field($_POST['comment']);
$prepared_data = array('user_ip' => $user_ip, 'comment' => $comment);
$wpdb->insert('wp_plugin_table', $prepared_data);

Exploit Scenario & Mitigation

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by posting a comment containing an XSS payload, such as <script>alert('XSS');</script>. When another user visits the page containing the injected comment, the malicious script will execute in their browser, resulting in a popup displaying 'XSS'. This example is quite benign, but an attacker could accomplish much more nefarious actions with a more sophisticated script.

To mitigate this vulnerability, users of the affected plugin should update to the latest version of the IP Vault – WP Firewall plugin as soon as possible. In case the developer has not released a patched version, consider using a different security plugin to protect your WordPress site.

Original References & Links

1. CVE Entry: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-47171
2. NVD Entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-47171

Conclusion

CVE-2022-47171 highlights the necessity of validating and sanitizing user inputs in any application, including WordPress plugins. As a major CMS, WordPress faces continuous security threats, and it is imperative for developers and administrators to maintain up-to-date knowledge on potential vulnerabilities and their mitigation measures. For users of the IP Vault – WP Firewall plugin, updating or replacing the plugin with a more secure alternative is the recommended course of action to avoid potential security breaches.

Timeline

Published on: 03/14/2023 07:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 03/17/2023 02:08:00 UTC