CVE-2017-7719 in Spider Event Calendar Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection in the Spider Event Calendar (aka spider-event-calendar) plugin before 1.5.52 for WordPress is exploitable with the order_by parameter to calendar_functions.php or widget_Theme_functions.php, related to front_end/frontend_functions.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7719 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Spider Event Calendar WordPress plugin, affecting versions prior to 1.5.52. This security weakness resides in the plugin's handling of user input through the order_by parameter, which is processed in multiple files including calendar_functions.php and widget_Theme_functions.php, with the core issue originating from front_end/frontend_functions.php. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic sql injection attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the order_by parameter, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation and underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's frontend components. When users interact with the calendar functionality, particularly when sorting events, the order_by parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that can manipulate the database queries executed by the plugin. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the front-end components, meaning attackers do not require administrative privileges or direct access to the WordPress backend to exploit this weakness, making it accessible to any user with access to the calendar interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7719 extends far beyond simple data manipulation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized data access, and potential lateral movement within the affected WordPress environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and potentially gain access to other systems connected to the compromised database. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns found in the mitre attack framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories. Organizations running affected versions of the Spider Event Calendar plugin face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise, particularly in environments where WordPress is used for critical business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating the Spider Event Calendar plugin to version 1.5.52 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent sql injection attacks. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as input validation at the web application firewall level, database query parameterization, and regular security audits of third-party plugins. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping all wordpress components updated and following security best practices including the principle of least privilege, regular security assessments, and monitoring for suspicious database activities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all plugin installations undergo security review processes before deployment in production environments.