CVE-2021-24285 in Car Seller Auto Classifieds Script Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2021
The request_list_request AJAX call of the Car Seller - Auto Classifieds Script WordPress plugin through 2.1.0, available to both authenticated and unauthenticated users, does not sanitise, validate or escape the order_id POST parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to a SQL Injection issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-24285 affects the Car Seller - Auto Classifieds Script WordPress plugin version 2.1.0 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw within its AJAX handling mechanism. This issue manifests through the request_list_request AJAX call which processes user requests without adequate input sanitization, validation, or escaping of the order_id parameter. The vulnerability exists in a function that is accessible to both authenticated users with appropriate permissions and unauthenticated visitors, significantly expanding the potential attack surface. The plugin's failure to properly handle user-supplied data in this specific endpoint creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's improper handling of the order_id parameter within a SQL query context. When the AJAX endpoint processes the order_id value, it directly incorporates user input into database queries without appropriate sanitization measures. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability's impact is exacerbated by its accessibility to unauthenticated users, meaning that anyone with access to the WordPress site can attempt exploitation without requiring prior authentication credentials.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data exposure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers could leverage this SQL injection to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or administrative access details stored within the database. The vulnerability also poses risks of data manipulation and potential denial of service conditions that could disrupt legitimate site operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving SQL injection and privilege escalation, potentially enabling adversaries to move laterally within the compromised environment. The impact on WordPress sites using this plugin could result in complete system compromise, data breaches, and loss of business continuity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-24285 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, as developers typically release patches to resolve such security flaws. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper validation before database interaction. The recommended approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code execution. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to limit unnecessary exposure of AJAX endpoints. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes that may present comparable risks.