CVE-2017-14760 in Event Espresso Lite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in /includes/event-management/index.php in the event-espresso-free (aka Event Espresso Lite) plugin v3.1.37.12.L for WordPress via the recurrence_id parameter to /wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-14760 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the event-espresso-free plugin version 3.1.37.12.L for WordPress systems. This security weakness specifically targets the event-management component where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability manifests through the recurrence_id parameter within the admin.php endpoint of the WordPress administration interface, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the plugin's event management functionality. When administrators or authenticated users interact with the recurrence_id parameter through the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint, the system fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries. This oversight creates a classic sql injection scenario where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as sql commands rather than simple data values. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within the administrative interface, potentially allowing unauthorized users to execute malicious sql statements against the underlying database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive event management information. Attackers could leverage this flaw to extract confidential data including user credentials, event details, registration information, and other sensitive business data stored within the WordPress database. The vulnerability affects the entire event-espresso-free plugin ecosystem, potentially compromising multiple websites running the affected version and creating widespread security implications for event management systems. The attack surface is further expanded as this vulnerability can be exploited by users with minimal privileges who have access to the administrative interface.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-14760 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability through proper input validation and parameter binding mechanisms. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the affected parameter. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the application database user has minimal required privileges, limiting potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection weakness classification and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework category TA0006 credential access and TA0002 execution. System administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments of all installed plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities, as this flaw demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in web applications. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to prevent similar issues in other components of the wordpress ecosystem.