CVE-2017-18602 in examapp Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The examapp plugin 1.0 for WordPress has SQL injection via the wp-admin/admin.php?page=examapp_UserResult id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18602 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the examapp WordPress plugin version 1.0, specifically affecting the admin interface functionality. This vulnerability exists in the wp-admin/admin.php page handler when processing the examapp_UserResult parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's administrative components, allowing attackers to manipulate the id parameter and inject malicious SQL commands that can be executed against the underlying database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic SQL injection attack vector where user-supplied input flows directly into database query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. When an attacker crafts a malicious id parameter value, the plugin's code fails to validate or sanitize this input before incorporating it into SQL statements, thereby enabling the execution of arbitrary database operations. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web application attack techniques, making it particularly dangerous due to the privileged access typically available within administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to perform full database manipulation including data extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive information. Given that this affects the WordPress admin interface, an attacker could potentially gain access to user credentials, personal examination results, and other confidential academic data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in educational environments where the plugin likely handles sensitive student information and examination records, making it a prime target for data breach attacks that could compromise academic integrity and student privacy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18602 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, as the original version 1.0 contains no built-in protections against this attack vector. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be addressed through defensive programming techniques. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database query monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures that address both application-level and infrastructure-level protections.