CVE-2017-6571 in Mail Masta Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection issue is exploitable, with WordPress admin access, in the Mail Masta (aka mail-masta) plugin 1.0 for WordPress. This affects ./inc/campaign/view-campaign.php with the GET Parameter: id.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6571 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Mail Masta WordPress plugin version 1.0, specifically affecting the ./inc/campaign/view-campaign.php file through improper handling of the GET parameter named 'id'. This vulnerability exists within the WordPress ecosystem and demonstrates a classic weakness in input validation and query construction that has been documented under CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent and dangerous flaw in database interactions. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious GET request containing a specially formatted 'id' parameter that gets directly incorporated into a SQL query without proper sanitization or parameterization. This unfiltered input allows adversaries to inject malicious SQL code that can manipulate the database structure or extract confidential data. The vulnerability specifically targets the campaign viewing functionality of the Mail Masta plugin, which is designed for email marketing automation within WordPress environments. Attackers with administrative access to the WordPress installation can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6571 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain complete control over the WordPress installation. Since the vulnerability requires administrative access to exploit, it demonstrates a privilege escalation vector that could be particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators might inadvertently execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts with administrative privileges, as it exploits an existing administrative interface. Additionally, this flaw enables data manipulation and extraction attacks that could compromise user email lists, campaign data, and potentially sensitive user information stored within the WordPress database.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6571 should include immediate patching of the Mail Masta plugin to version 1.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation and SQL query sanitization. Organizations should implement proper input validation techniques such as parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks in all database interactions. Security measures should also include regular monitoring of plugin updates, implementation of web application firewalls, and enforcement of least privilege principles for WordPress administrative accounts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of validating all user inputs and following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly addressing the need for proper database query construction and input sanitization to prevent similar vulnerabilities across the WordPress ecosystem.