CVE-2021-24557 in m-vslider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/23/2021
The update functionality in the rslider_page uses an rs_id POST parameter which is not validated, sanitised or escaped before being inserted in sql query, therefore leading to SQL injection for users having Administrator role.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-24557 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the rslider_page functionality of a web application. This issue specifically affects the update mechanism where the rs_id parameter is processed through a POST request without proper input validation, sanitization, or escaping procedures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only an administrator role to exploit, making it accessible to users with elevated privileges who can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the application's database interaction layer. When an administrator submits data through the rslider_page update functionality, the rs_id value is directly incorporated into SQL queries without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates an environment where malicious input can manipulate the intended query structure, allowing attackers to inject additional SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user. The lack of input validation means that any character sequence that could alter SQL syntax, such as single quotes, semicolons, or comment markers, can be passed directly to the database engine.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on the affected application. An attacker with administrator access can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, delete records, or even escalate privileges further within the database environment. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the attacker could potentially gain persistence within the system by creating backdoor accounts or modifying system configurations. The vulnerability's accessibility through the administrator role means that even a compromised administrative account could be leveraged for extensive damage, making it a high-priority issue for security teams.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for remote services, as it allows for unauthorized access to database resources through legitimate administrative privileges. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill beyond understanding basic SQL injection techniques and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create critical security gaps even within privileged access scenarios. Organizations should immediately implement input validation mechanisms, parameterized queries, and comprehensive database access controls to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization procedures for all database parameters, particularly those used in update operations. The application should employ parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input cannot alter the intended SQL structure. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that could lead to SQL injection vulnerabilities, and organizations should maintain up-to-date patch management procedures to address known vulnerabilities promptly.