CVE-2019-13575 in WPEverest Everest Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection vulnerability exists in WPEverest Everest Forms plugin for WordPress through 1.4.9. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected system via includes/evf-entry-functions.php
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13575 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the WPEverest Everest Forms WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to 1.4.9. This vulnerability resides in the includes/evf-entry-functions.php file, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise WordPress installations that utilize this form management solution. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized command execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of parameters within the evf-entry-functions.php script, where user inputs are directly concatenated into SQL query structures without proper sanitization. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities resulting from insufficient input validation and improper escaping of special characters. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially gaining access to sensitive information, modifying database contents, or even escalating privileges within the affected system. The remote nature of this attack vector means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for widely deployed WordPress installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-13575 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers may extract user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the WordPress database, while also potentially injecting malicious code or creating backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability affects not just individual user data but could compromise the entire WordPress installation, especially when combined with other exploitation techniques. This makes it a significant concern for organizations relying on WordPress for business-critical applications and forms processing.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection flaw. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures and ensure that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before database interaction. The implementation of web application firewalls and database query monitoring can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also follow ATT&CK framework recommendations for defensive measures, particularly focusing on input validation and database security controls. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins or components of the WordPress ecosystem, ensuring a comprehensive approach to protecting against SQL injection attacks and maintaining overall system integrity.