CVE-2019-15646 in rsvpmaker Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The rsvpmaker plugin before 6.2 for WordPress has SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
The rsvpmaker plugin for WordPress represents a widely used tool for managing event registrations and RSVP functionality within the WordPress ecosystem. This plugin facilitates event management by allowing administrators to create events, collect attendee information, and manage registration processes through a user-friendly interface. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 6.2, indicating that the plugin's developers had not yet addressed specific security flaws in their code implementation. The affected version range suggests that this vulnerability has been present for an extended period, potentially exposing numerous WordPress installations to risk.
The core technical flaw manifests as a SQL injection vulnerability, which occurs when user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. This particular vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through the plugin's input handling mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, where improper input validation enables attackers to manipulate database operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute unauthorized database queries, potentially gaining access to sensitive information, modifying data, or even escalating privileges within the affected WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to manipulate the event registration database directly. An attacker could potentially extract all attendee information, modify event details, delete registrations, or even inject malicious code that could propagate throughout the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the rsvpmaker plugin, which means that any website relying on event management features could be compromised. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, as the attack targets the database communication layer of a web application. The exploitation of SQL injection vulnerabilities in content management systems like WordPress often serves as a stepping stone for further attacks within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected WordPress administrators. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading the rsvpmaker plugin to version 6.2 or later, where the SQL injection flaw has been patched. Administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization practices, ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped before database insertion. Database query parameterization should be enforced throughout the plugin's codebase to prevent direct concatenation of user input with SQL commands. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection. Security best practices recommend that organizations maintain updated plugin versions and regularly audit their WordPress installations for known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping third-party plugins current, as outdated components represent significant attack vectors in WordPress environments. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for database access and regularly review database logs for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.