CVE-2017-6572 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/lists/add_member.php with the GET Parameter: filter_list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6572 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Mail Masta WordPress plugin version 1.0, specifically affecting the ./inc/lists/add_member.php script. This vulnerability operates through the GET parameter named filter_list, which allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's administrative interface, creating an exploitable path that requires only basic WordPress admin credentials to be leveraged effectively. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive user data, modifying existing records, or even inserting malicious entries into the WordPress database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. Once an attacker successfully injects malicious SQL code through the filter_list parameter, they can potentially extract administrator credentials, modify user permissions, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects the plugin's list management functionality, where the add_member.php script processes user inputs to filter and manage mailing lists. This creates a scenario where an authenticated attacker with administrative privileges can leverage the SQL injection to bypass normal access controls and gain deeper system access. The attack vector requires minimal complexity since it operates through standard HTTP GET requests, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access might be compromised through social engineering or credential theft attacks.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's credential access and command and control categories, where attackers can use such flaws to maintain persistent access to systems. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with ATT&CK technique T1078, which covers legitimate accounts for persistence. Additionally, the SQL injection aspect maps to T1068, involving privilege escalation through command execution. Organizations using Mail Masta plugin version 1.0 should immediately implement mitigations including input sanitization, parameterized queries, and proper access controls. The recommended remediation involves updating to the latest plugin version, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security audits of all WordPress plugins. Regular patch management processes should include verification of plugin integrity and implementation of security headers to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user data in administrative contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious GET requests with SQL injection payloads that target the filter_list parameter. Attackers often utilize tools such as sqlmap to automatically detect and exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities, making this particular flaw particularly dangerous due to its accessibility and the widespread use of WordPress platforms. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only basic administrative access, meaning that attackers who have obtained valid admin credentials can immediately leverage this flaw without requiring additional reconnaissance or privilege escalation techniques. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual GET parameter patterns and database access logs that might indicate SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability's presence in a plugin's administrative interface also raises concerns about potential cross-site scripting or other injection vulnerabilities that might exist within the same codebase, warranting comprehensive code review and security assessment of the entire plugin implementation.