CVE-2020-24315 in Poll Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Vinoj Cardoza WordPress Poll Plugin v36 and lower executes SQL statement passed in via the pollid POST parameter due to a lack of user input escaping. This allows users who craft specific SQL statements to dump the entire targets database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-24315 affects the WordPress Poll Plugin version 36 and earlier, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that stems from inadequate input sanitization. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's handling of user-provided data through the pollid POST parameter, where the application fails to properly escape or validate incoming input before incorporating it into SQL queries. The absence of proper input validation creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command as a fundamental weakness in software design. The flaw operates by accepting unfiltered user input and directly embedding it into SQL execution contexts without appropriate sanitization measures. Attackers can construct malicious SQL payloads that, when submitted through the pollid parameter, bypass normal database access controls and execute unauthorized commands. This particular implementation lacks any form of input escaping or parameterized query mechanisms that would normally prevent such injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract all stored information including user credentials, personal data, and plugin configuration details. The vulnerability enables unauthorized database dumping through crafted SQL statements that can retrieve entire database schemas, user tables, and sensitive application data. This represents a complete breakdown of database access controls and can lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the WordPress Poll Plugin to version 37 or later, where the input sanitization issues have been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms at all points where user data is processed, following established security practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Additionally, database access should be restricted through proper privilege management, ensuring that application database accounts have minimal necessary permissions and that sensitive data is properly encrypted both at rest and in transit. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper SQL query construction practices, emphasizing the need for developers to follow secure coding standards and conduct regular security assessments of third-party plugins.