CVE-2021-24748 in Email Before Download Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/29/2021
The Email Before Download WordPress plugin before 6.8 does not properly validate and escape the order and orderby GET parameters before using them in SQL statements, leading to authenticated SQL injection issues
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2021
The Email Before Download WordPress plugin version 6.8 and earlier contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that affects authenticated users with sufficient privileges to manipulate download requests. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the order and orderby GET parameters within the plugin's SQL query construction logic. The flaw allows attackers who have gained access to a valid user account to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability specifically impacts the plugin's functionality when processing download requests that utilize these parameters for sorting or ordering results.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input within SQL query contexts without proper sanitization or parameterization. When an authenticated user submits a request containing order or orderby parameters, the plugin directly incorporates these values into SQL statements without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This pattern aligns with CWE-89, which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a fundamental weakness in software design. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax that can alter query behavior, extract sensitive information, or even execute destructive operations on the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a pathway to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. An authenticated attacker can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, modify plugin configurations, or access sensitive data stored within the database. The attack vector requires minimal privileges, as the vulnerability only necessitates a valid user account rather than administrative access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user access controls may be insufficient. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard web application penetration testing techniques and may remain undetected for extended periods due to the legitimate nature of the SQL queries being executed.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to plugin version 6.8 or later, which contains proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additionally, administrators should enforce strict access controls and monitor for unusual download request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by blocking suspicious SQL injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as parameterized queries and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins or custom code implementations. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous SQL execution patterns that may indicate exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.