CVE-2020-36626 in Panel Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2022
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Modern Tribe Panel Builder Plugin. Affected is the function add_post_content_filtered_to_search_sql of the file ModularContent/SearchFilter.php. The manipulation leads to sql injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The name of the patch is 4528d4f855dbbf24e9fc12a162fda84ce3bedc2f. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-216738 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-36626 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Modern Tribe Panel Builder Plugin, specifically targeting the add_post_content_filtered_to_search_sql function located in ModularContent/SearchFilter.php. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate database queries through improper input validation, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe impact including data breach, unauthorized access, and system compromise. The flaw exists in the plugin's search functionality where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries, enabling malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation and sanitization within the search filtering mechanism. When users perform searches within the plugin's interface, the add_post_content_filtered_to_search_sql function processes the input without sufficient protection against malicious sql payloads. This creates an attack surface where remote exploitation is possible, as the vulnerability can be triggered through web requests without requiring local access. The exploitability is further enhanced by the fact that the vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, making it accessible to threat actors who may leverage it for unauthorized database access. The patch referenced as 4528d4f855dbbf24e9fc12a162fda84ce3bedc2f addresses the core issue by implementing proper input sanitization and parameter binding mechanisms.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to wordpress installations using the affected plugin, particularly those with sensitive data or administrative privileges. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized modification of content. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as sql injection vulnerabilities can enable attackers to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or perform destructive operations on the affected database. Organizations running wordpress sites with the Modern Tribe Panel Builder Plugin must urgently assess their exposure and implement the recommended patch to mitigate potential compromise. The vulnerability's presence in search functionality makes it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by routine user activities, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Security mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch application to address the identified sql injection vulnerability. The recommended patch implements proper input sanitization and parameter binding techniques that prevent malicious sql code from being executed within database queries. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and its exploitation patterns correspond to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Regular vulnerability scanning and security assessments are essential to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the wordpress ecosystem. The public disclosure of this exploit underscores the importance of timely patch management and proactive security monitoring to protect against emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape.