CVE-2022-3126 is a security vulnerability classified as a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) issue affecting the Frontend File Manager Plugin for WordPress versions prior to 21.4. The vulnerability arises because the plugin does not implement adequate CSRF protections when handling file upload requests. This lack of verification allows an attacker to craft malicious web requests that, when executed by a logged-in user, cause that user’s browser to upload files to the WordPress site without their consent or knowledge. Since the plugin manages file uploads on the frontend, an attacker could exploit this flaw to upload arbitrary files, potentially including malicious scripts or web shells, which could then be used to further compromise the website. The vulnerability does not require the attacker to have any privileges or authentication, but it does require the victim to be logged in and to interact with a maliciously crafted webpage (user interaction). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.3, indicating a medium severity level, with the vector indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. The impact primarily affects the integrity of the system by allowing unauthorized file uploads, but does not directly affect confidentiality or availability. No known exploits in the wild have been reported, and no official patches or updates are linked in the provided data, but upgrading to version 21.4 or later is implied to remediate the issue. This vulnerability is significant because WordPress is widely used across Europe, and plugins are common attack vectors. The absence of CSRF protections in file upload functionality is a critical oversight that can lead to website defacement, malware hosting, or pivoting attacks within the hosting environment.

For European organizations using WordPress with the Frontend File Manager Plugin, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized file uploads that can compromise website integrity. Attackers could upload malicious payloads such as web shells, enabling further exploitation including data theft, defacement, or lateral movement within the hosting infrastructure. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR if personal data is exposed), and cause operational disruptions. Since many European businesses rely on WordPress for their web presence, especially SMEs and public sector entities, exploitation could have widespread consequences. The requirement for user interaction and a logged-in session somewhat limits the attack scope, but phishing or social engineering campaigns could facilitate exploitation. Additionally, compromised websites could be used as platforms for distributing malware or launching attacks on other targets, amplifying the threat. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to prevent escalation or chaining with other vulnerabilities.

1. Immediate upgrade of the Frontend File Manager Plugin to version 21.4 or later where the CSRF protection is implemented. 2. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious file upload requests or CSRF attack patterns targeting the plugin endpoints. 3. Enforce strict user session management and limit plugin usage to trusted users with minimal privileges to reduce the impact of compromised accounts. 4. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on plugin vulnerabilities and file upload functionalities. 5. Educate users about phishing and social engineering risks to reduce the likelihood of user interaction with malicious content. 6. Monitor web server logs for unusual file upload activity or unexpected file types being uploaded. 7. If immediate plugin upgrade is not feasible, consider disabling the plugin or restricting access to its upload features until patched. 8. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers and other browser security mechanisms to mitigate the impact of malicious scripts that could be uploaded.