CVE-2021-24385 in Filebird Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2021
The Filebird Plugin 4.7.3 introduced a SQL injection vulnerability as it is making SQL queries without escaping user input data from a HTTP post request. This is a major vulnerability as the user input is not escaped and passed directly to the get_col function and it allows SQL injection. The Rest API endpoint which invokes this function also does not have any required permissions/authentication and can be accessed by an anonymous user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2021
The CVE-2021-24385 vulnerability resides within the Filebird WordPress plugin version 4.7.3, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's database interaction mechanisms, specifically when processing user-supplied data through HTTP POST requests. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject malicious SQL code directly into database queries, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation and underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin's code passes user input directly to the get_col function without proper escaping or sanitization. This function is designed to retrieve column data from database queries, but when fed with unescaped user input, it becomes a conduit for SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the REST API endpoint that invokes this function, which lacks proper authentication and authorization checks. This means that any anonymous user can exploit the vulnerability without requiring valid credentials or administrative privileges, significantly expanding the attack surface and reducing the barriers to exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and potentially full system takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access tokens. The lack of authentication requirements for the vulnerable REST API endpoint means that exploitation can occur entirely remotely without any prior access to the system, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that violates fundamental security principles.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and highly effective, requiring only a properly crafted HTTP POST request to the exposed REST API endpoint. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where WordPress plugins are not regularly updated or monitored for security patches. Organizations running affected versions of the Filebird plugin face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in the plugin's security design, as it fails to implement basic input sanitization measures that should be standard practice in all database interaction code. Mitigation strategies should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address this vulnerability, implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and comprehensive monitoring of database access patterns for signs of exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing proper authentication and authorization controls for REST API endpoints and regularly audit plugin security configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of their WordPress installations.