CVE-2022-41995
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a missing authorization vulnerability in the Gallery Images Ape WordPress plugin that allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access controls. It affects all versions up to 2.2.8, potentially allowing unauthorized users to access functionality intended only for authenticated users.
💻 Affected Systems
- Gallery Images Ape WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Unauthenticated attackers could modify gallery settings, delete images, or access administrative functionality depending on the specific broken access control.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users could view or modify gallery content they shouldn't have access to, potentially defacing websites or accessing private images.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls, only authorized users can perform gallery management actions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Missing authorization vulnerabilities typically require minimal technical skill to exploit once the vulnerable endpoint is identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 2.2.8
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins
3. Find Gallery Images Ape plugin
4. Click 'Update Now' if available
5. If no update available, deactivate and remove the plugin
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Gallery Images Ape plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate gallery-images-ape
Restrict Access via WAF
allBlock access to gallery-images-ape plugin endpoints using web application firewall rules
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate affected WordPress installations
- Apply principle of least privilege to WordPress user accounts and monitor for unauthorized gallery modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Gallery Images Ape → Version number. If version is 2.2.8 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get gallery-images-ape --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is higher than 2.2.8 in WordPress admin panel and test gallery functionality with non-admin accounts.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized POST requests to gallery-images-ape endpoints
- Gallery modifications from non-admin user accounts
- Failed authorization attempts on gallery management functions
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to /wp-content/plugins/gallery-images-ape/ from unauthenticated sources
- Unusual pattern of gallery-related API calls
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (uri_path="/wp-content/plugins/gallery-images-ape/" OR plugin="gallery-images-ape") AND (user_role!="administrator" OR auth_status="failed")