Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a CSV injection issue in the WordPress Posts and Users Stats plugin through version 1.1.3. If malicious data is included in an exported CSV and a user opens it in spreadsheet software, formulas may run in that user's context. Business urgency is moderate because exploitation requires privileges and user interaction.
Executive priority
Treat this as a moderate-priority hygiene item. It is not documented as actively exploited in the provided sources, but it can affect integrity when exported CSV files are trusted by staff.
Technical view
CVE-2022-44738 is CWE-1236 improper neutralization of formula elements in CSV output for Patrick Robrecht Posts and Users Stats through 1.1.3. CVSS 3.1 is 5.8, with network attack vector, high attack complexity, low privileges required, user interaction required, changed scope, and high integrity impact.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to WordPress sites running the Posts and Users Stats plugin at version 1.1.3 or earlier, especially where CSV exports are generated and opened in spreadsheet tools.
Exploitation context
The provided sources do not show CISA KEV listing or active exploitation. The CVSS vector indicates exploitation requires a low-privileged position and a separate user opening the affected CSV output.
Researcher notes
Evidence is sparse beyond CVE metadata and the Patchstack entry. Do not assume a specific fixed version from the provided bundle. Validate exposure by plugin package and version, then track vendor guidance before closing.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory WordPress sites for posts-and-users-stats plugin use.
- Check vendor, WordPress, and Patchstack guidance for a fixed release.
- Update if a vendor-supported fixed version is available.
- Disable or remove the plugin if no maintained fix is available.
- Limit access to CSV export features until remediation is confirmed.
Validation and detection
- Confirm the installed plugin version on each WordPress site.
- Flag Posts and Users Stats versions 1.1.3 or earlier.
- Review whether affected CSV exports are used operationally.
- Confirm remediation against vendor or Patchstack guidance.
- Monitor CVE and Patchstack records for updated fix information.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CWE-1236: Exact CWE lookup
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Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2022-44738 mapping review
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Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Medium
- CVSS
- 5.8 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N1.34Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
5.8MediumVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N
Source materials
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File
Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.