CVE-2022-1567 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the WP JS plugin for WordPress, developed by halmat. The vulnerability exists in the wp-js.php script, specifically within the wp_js_admin function. This function improperly handles user input by accepting it without proper validation or sanitization and then reflecting it back in the HTTP response. This flaw allows an attacker to craft a malicious URL or request that injects arbitrary JavaScript code into the response page. When a victim user clicks on such a crafted link or visits the malicious page, the injected script executes in their browser context with the privileges of the vulnerable site. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.0.6 of the WP JS plugin. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1 (medium severity), with an attack vector of network (remote exploitation), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction (clicking a malicious link). The scope is changed, indicating that the vulnerability can impact resources beyond the vulnerable component. The impact affects confidentiality and integrity, allowing attackers to steal sensitive information such as cookies, session tokens, or perform actions on behalf of the user. No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input during web page generation leading to XSS. Since WordPress is a widely used content management system, and WP JS is a plugin that extends its functionality, this vulnerability can be leveraged to compromise the security of websites using this plugin. Attackers can use this vector to conduct phishing, session hijacking, or deliver further malware payloads via the victim’s browser. The absence of a patch link in the provided data suggests that users should verify if updates are available or apply manual mitigations. Overall, this reflected XSS vulnerability poses a moderate risk to the confidentiality and integrity of affected WordPress sites and their users.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-1567 can be significant depending on the role of the affected WordPress sites. Many European businesses, government agencies, and NGOs use WordPress for public-facing websites, intranets, or customer portals. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information such as authentication cookies or personal data, violating GDPR and other privacy regulations. Attackers could also perform actions on behalf of users, potentially leading to account takeover or defacement of websites, damaging reputation and trust. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, targeted phishing campaigns could be used to lure employees or customers into clicking malicious links, increasing the risk of social engineering attacks. The reflected XSS could also serve as a stepping stone for more complex attacks, including delivering malware or ransomware payloads. The medium severity rating indicates that while the vulnerability is not critical, it still represents a tangible threat that should be addressed promptly to maintain compliance and security posture. Organizations relying on the WP JS plugin should assess their exposure and implement mitigations to prevent exploitation.

1. Update the WP JS plugin to the latest version where the vulnerability is patched. If no official patch is available, consider disabling or removing the plugin until a fix is released. 2. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that detect and block reflected XSS attack patterns targeting wp-js.php or similar endpoints. 3. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers, mitigating the impact of XSS attacks. 4. Conduct input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data within custom code or plugin extensions to prevent injection of malicious scripts. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking suspicious links, especially those that may contain unexpected query parameters. 6. Regularly scan WordPress installations with security tools to detect vulnerable plugins and anomalous behavior. 7. Monitor logs for unusual requests to wp-js.php or other plugin scripts that may indicate exploitation attempts. 8. Consider isolating critical WordPress instances behind additional security layers or reverse proxies to limit exposure. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on plugin-specific controls, user awareness, and layered defenses tailored to the nature of this reflected XSS vulnerability.