CVE-2017-6575 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/edit_member.php with the GET Parameter: member_id.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6575 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Mail Masta WordPress plugin version 1.0, specifically affecting the edit_member.php file in the ./inc/lists/ directory. This vulnerability operates through the GET parameter member_id, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw exists within the plugin's administrative interface, requiring attackers to first obtain valid administrative credentials to exploit the vulnerability effectively, though the underlying SQL injection issue itself is independent of authentication status.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious SQL queries through the member_id parameter, potentially allowing unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion within the WordPress database. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector leverages the standard HTTP GET method, making it easily exploitable through web browser manipulation or automated tools. The vulnerability's impact is significantly amplified when combined with administrative access, as it provides attackers with direct control over user membership data and potentially broader database access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to WordPress installations using the Mail Masta plugin, as it enables attackers to extract sensitive user information including email addresses, membership details, and potentially other database records. The attack requires minimal sophistication to execute, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain up-to-date security patches or implement proper input validation controls. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers data from information repositories, as it allows unauthorized access to stored user data through database manipulation. Organizations using this plugin face potential data breaches, user privacy violations, and possible compliance violations under data protection regulations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6575 require immediate action including updating the Mail Masta plugin to a patched version that properly sanitizes the member_id parameter through prepared statements or proper input validation. System administrators should implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious GET parameter patterns, while also enforcing strong administrative access controls including multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their WordPress plugins and themes to identify similar vulnerabilities and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to ensure rapid recovery from potential exploitation incidents.