CVE-2017-20243 in Car Park Booking System
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2026
WordPress Car Park Booking Plugin version 13 October 17 contains a time-based SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the space_id parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to the booking-page endpoint with malicious space_id values using AND SLEEP() payloads to extract sensitive database information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2026
The WordPress Car Park Booking Plugin presents a critical time-based sql injection vulnerability that fundamentally compromises database security for unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of the space_id parameter through the booking-page endpoint, creating an exploitable path that allows remote code execution and data exfiltration. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql code through carefully crafted get requests that leverage the and sleep() function to create time delays in query execution. This technique relies on the database's response time to infer information about the underlying data structure, making it particularly dangerous as it can operate without authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's backend processing logic. When the space_id parameter is passed to the booking-page endpoint, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates a classic sql injection vector that follows the common attack pattern described in cwe-89 sql injection. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers construct malicious payloads using and sleep() functions, which cause the database to pause execution for a specified number of seconds before returning results. This time-based approach allows attackers to extract database information through a process of trial and error, where each successful delay confirms the presence of specific database elements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform comprehensive database enumeration and potentially gain access to sensitive user information. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to extract administrative credentials, user login details, booking records, and other confidential data stored within the plugin's database. The unauthenticated nature of this attack means that any user with access to the website can exploit the vulnerability without requiring valid credentials, significantly expanding the attack surface. This weakness directly violates security principles outlined in the owasp top ten 2017, specifically addressing injection flaws that can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the initial access and credential access domains, as it provides a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access and escalate privileges within the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements within the plugin's architecture. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, which aligns with the secure coding practices recommended in the owasp secure coding practices. Developers should immediately patch the plugin to sanitize all user inputs, particularly the space_id parameter, and implement proper escaping mechanisms before database queries are executed. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to limit database access permissions and implement proper error handling that does not expose database structure information. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious requests containing sql injection payloads, though these should complement rather than replace proper code-level fixes. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues within other plugins and components of their wordpress installations, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input handling flaws can create significant security risks.