Ajax Load More – Infinite Scroll, Load More, &…: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2022-2433 is a high-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in Ajax Load More – Infinite Scroll, Load More, & Lazy Load from Dcooney, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Ajax Load More – Infinite Scroll, Load More, & Lazy Load versions: 5.5.3 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.59% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 76% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Ajax Load More to 5.5.4 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dcooney | Ajax Load More – Infinite Scroll, Load More, & Lazy Load | 5.5.3 and earlier | Not stated |
| Connekthq | Ajax Load More | before 5.5.4 | 5.5.4 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (wordfence.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to deserialization of untrusted input via the 'alm_repeaters_export' parameter in versions up to, and including 5.5.3. This makes it possible for unauthenticated users to call files using a PHAR wrapper, granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link, that will deserialize and call arbitrary PHP Objects that can be used to perform a variety of malicious actions granted a POP chain is also present. It also requires that the attacker is successful in uploading a file with the serialized payload.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/040ae20d-93e3-4c65-ba74-4ff0b5c1afc7?source=cveThird Party Advisory
- wordfence.com/vulnerability-advisories/#CVE-2022-2433Third Party Advisory
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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