CVE-2019-13573 in FV Flowplayer Video Player
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection vulnerability exists in the FolioVision FV Flowplayer Video Player plugin before 7.3.19.727 for WordPress. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2023
The CVE-2019-13573 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the FolioVision FV Flowplayer Video Player WordPress plugin, affecting versions prior to 7.3.19.727. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input within database query operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets directly embedded into SQL queries, bypassing normal security controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the WordPress database.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard SQL injection attack patterns where malicious payloads are submitted through plugin interfaces or API endpoints that process user input without proper sanitization. The flaw typically manifests when the plugin processes parameters related to video playback configurations, user preferences, or administrative settings that are subsequently used in database queries. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent threat in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems. The attack vector leverages the plugin's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account associated with the WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify database content, create new user accounts with administrative privileges, or even execute system-level commands if the database server allows such operations. The affected WordPress environment becomes vulnerable to complete compromise, with attackers potentially accessing user credentials, content management data, and other sensitive information stored within the database. Additionally, the vulnerability could facilitate further attacks within the network, as compromised WordPress installations often serve as entry points for broader security breaches. The impact is particularly severe in environments where WordPress is used for content management, e-commerce, or other applications handling sensitive data, as the database exposure could lead to significant data loss or regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13573 require immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 7.3.19.727 or later, which incorporates proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual database query patterns or unexpected data access. Database administrators should review and restrict database user permissions, ensuring that WordPress database accounts have minimal required privileges. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to database servers, while web application firewalls may provide additional protection against known SQL injection patterns. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all WordPress plugins and themes to identify similar weaknesses, implementing a comprehensive security posture that includes regular updates, code reviews, and security scanning processes. The remediation process should include verification of the patch effectiveness and monitoring for any signs of compromise within the affected systems.