CVE-2019-15659 in pie-register Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The pie-register plugin before 3.1.2 for WordPress has SQL injection, a different issue than CVE-2018-10969.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
The pie-register plugin for WordPress represents a widely used form management solution that enables users to create custom registration forms with various field types and validation rules. This plugin has been a target for cyber adversaries due to its popularity and the critical nature of the vulnerabilities it has contained. The specific vulnerability under examination affects versions prior to 3.1.2 and represents a significant security flaw that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability manifests as a SQL injection weakness that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized database access and potential data manipulation. This issue is distinct from CVE-2018-10969, which indicates that attackers may have identified multiple attack vectors within the same plugin ecosystem, highlighting the need for comprehensive security reviews of popular WordPress plugins.
The technical flaw within pie-register stems from improper input sanitization within the plugin's database query construction process. When user-provided data is passed through various form fields and processing functions, the plugin fails to adequately escape or parameterize these inputs before incorporating them into SQL queries. This allows malicious actors to inject crafted SQL commands that are then executed by the database server. The vulnerability typically occurs in areas where the plugin processes form submissions, user data retrieval, or administrative functions that rely on user-supplied parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating form fields or API endpoints to inject malicious SQL payloads that can extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute system commands depending on the database configuration and privileges available to the web application. The root cause aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this SQL injection vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation to potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation and underlying infrastructure. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored in the database. In more severe scenarios, attackers might gain elevated privileges within the WordPress environment, allowing them to modify content, install malicious plugins, or even establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability also poses risks to the broader network infrastructure if the compromised WordPress site serves as a foothold for lateral movement attacks. Organizations relying on pie-register for user registration and form management face significant exposure, particularly those handling sensitive personal data or operating in regulated environments where data protection compliance is mandatory. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins are often maintained by smaller development teams that may not have comprehensive security testing processes in place.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade to pie-register version 3.1.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection flaw. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin across their WordPress installations and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection attempts, establishing strict input validation rules for all form fields, and monitoring database access logs for suspicious activity. Security teams should also consider implementing database user privilege restrictions that limit the capabilities of the web application's database account, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access through SQL injection, they cannot perform destructive operations. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated plugin to ensure compatibility with existing configurations and user workflows. Organizations should also review their overall WordPress security posture, including regular security audits, proper file permissions, and implementation of security headers to reduce the overall attack surface. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components and following security best practices outlined in frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to protect against common web application vulnerabilities.