CVE-2020-5766 in SRS Simple Hits Counter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') in SRS Simple Hits Counter Plugin for WordPress 1.0.3 and 1.0.4 allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to determine the value of database fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5766 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SRS Simple Hits Counter WordPress plugin version 1.0.3 and 1.0.4. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of user input within sql query construction, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization or parameterization before incorporating it into sql statements. Attackers can exploit this by submitting specially crafted payloads through the plugin's interface or api endpoints, allowing them to inject malicious sql code that executes within the database context. This particular vulnerability affects the database field value disclosure mechanism, enabling unauthorized enumeration of sensitive data stored within the wordpress database.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to wordpress installations using the affected plugin version. An unauthenticated attacker can leverage this weakness to extract database field values, potentially accessing sensitive information such as user credentials, configuration settings, or other confidential data stored within the wordpress database. The impact extends beyond simple data disclosure as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that could facilitate further exploitation attempts.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily limited to wordpress installations running the specific plugin versions mentioned, but the implications are severe given that wordpress remains one of the most widely deployed content management systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and query construction practices, highlighting the critical importance of proper parameterized queries and input sanitization in web application security. Organizations should immediately update to patched versions of the plugin or implement temporary mitigations such as web application firewalls and input filtering rules to prevent exploitation attempts.
Security practitioners should reference the ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol manipulation and T1213.002 for data from information repositories when assessing the impact of this vulnerability. The remediation strategy should include immediate plugin updates, database access controls review, and comprehensive security auditing of all wordpress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes that may be susceptible to sql injection attacks.