CVE-2017-1002020 in surveys Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in wordpress plugin surveys v1.01.8, The code in survey_form.php does not sanitize the action variable before placing it inside of an SQL query.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2019
This vulnerability exists within the wordpress plugin surveys version 1.01.8 where the survey_form.php file fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into an SQL query. The flaw represents a classic sql injection vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate database operations through maliciously crafted input. The action variable in question is directly used in sql query construction without proper sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary sql commands against the database. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration catalog. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs within a wordpress plugin that is likely used for collecting user responses through surveys, making it a potential entry point for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or manipulate survey results.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution and data manipulation capabilities for attackers who can control the action parameter. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, survey responses, or other confidential data stored within the wordpress installation. The vulnerability allows for full database compromise, enabling attackers to modify or delete data, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, or even execute system commands if the database server allows such operations. This type of attack aligns with the attack technique T1078 valid accounts from the mitre attack framework, as successful exploitation could lead to persistent access through database user accounts. The vulnerability affects any wordpress installation running the affected plugin version, making it a widespread concern for website administrators who have not updated their plugins.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the surveys plugin to version 1.01.9 or later, which would contain the necessary sanitization fixes. Administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers including application code, database queries, and web application firewalls. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database accounts used by the application have minimal required permissions, preventing attackers from executing destructive operations even if they successfully exploit the vulnerability. Additional security measures include implementing proper error handling to prevent information disclosure, regular security auditing of plugin code, and maintaining up-to-date wordpress core and plugin versions. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous database access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can detect and alert on suspicious sql injection patterns, as this vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including direct web interface manipulation or through other compromised wordpress components that might interact with the vulnerable plugin.