CVE-2022-3440 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Rock Convert WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.11.0. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape a URL parameter before outputting it within an HTML attribute when a specific widget is present on a page. This improper handling allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code that is reflected back to the user’s browser. When a victim visits a page containing the vulnerable widget with a crafted URL, the injected script executes in the context of the victim’s browser session. This can lead to theft of session cookies, redirection to malicious sites, or execution of arbitrary actions on behalf of the user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1 (medium severity), with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), scope changed (S:C), and low impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability (C:L/I:L/A:N). No known exploits are publicly reported, and no official patches or updates are linked in the provided data, though version 2.11.0 is indicated as the fixed version. The vulnerability affects any WordPress site using the Rock Convert plugin with the vulnerable widget enabled, exposing site visitors to potential targeted XSS attacks.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to websites that use the Rock Convert plugin. Exploitation could lead to session hijacking, defacement, or phishing attacks targeting site visitors, which could damage brand reputation and user trust. Confidential information leakage is possible if session tokens or other sensitive data are stolen. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction (visiting a maliciously crafted URL), the attack surface is somewhat limited but still significant for high-traffic websites. Organizations handling personal data under GDPR must consider the risk of data exposure and potential regulatory consequences if user data is compromised. Additionally, reflected XSS can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more complex attacks, including social engineering campaigns. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to prevent exploitation, especially for sectors with high web presence such as e-commerce, media, and public services in Europe.

European organizations should immediately verify if their WordPress installations use the Rock Convert plugin and identify the plugin version. If running a version prior to 2.11.0, they should upgrade to version 2.11.0 or later where the vulnerability is fixed. In the absence of an official patch, organizations can implement temporary mitigations such as disabling the vulnerable widget or filtering and sanitizing URL parameters at the web application firewall (WAF) level to block suspicious input patterns. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help mitigate the impact of XSS by restricting script execution sources. Regularly scanning websites with specialized tools for XSS vulnerabilities and monitoring web logs for suspicious URL patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Educating web administrators about secure plugin management and timely updates is critical. Finally, organizations should ensure robust incident response plans are in place to quickly address any detected exploitation.