CVE-2022-1390
Published: 25 April 2022
Summary
CVE-2022-1390 is a critical-severity Path Traversal (CWE-22) vulnerability in Admin Word Count Column Project Admin Word Count Column. Its CVSS base score is 9.8 (Critical).
Operationally, ranked in the top 0.3% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
The Admin Word Count Column WordPress plugin through version 2.2 contains a path traversal flaw (CWE-22) in which the path parameter passed to readfile() is not validated. This affects sites running older PHP versions that remain susceptible to null-byte injection, enabling arbitrary file disclosure; the same vector can be chained with Phar deserialization to obtain remote code execution. The issue carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8.
Unauthenticated remote attackers can exploit the vulnerability over the network without user interaction. Successful exploitation grants full read access to sensitive server files and, under the right PHP configuration, arbitrary code execution on the host.
Public disclosures on WPScan and Packet Storm document the flaw and provide proof-of-concept material, though no official patch or mitigation guidance is referenced in the available advisories. The CVE maintains a high EPSS score (current 0.9115, peak 0.9394), indicating sustained exploitation interest after disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2022-24707
Vulnerability details
The Admin Word Count Column WordPress plugin through 2.2 does not validate the path parameter given to readfile(), which could allow unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on server running old version of PHP susceptible to the null byte technique.…
more
This could also lead to RCE by using a Phar Deserialization technique
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Validates pathnames and filenames to prevent traversal outside intended directories.