CVE-2021-24848 in Mediamatic Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2021
The mediamaticAjaxRenameCategory AJAX action of the Mediamatic WordPress plugin through 2.7, available to any authenticated user, does not sanitise the categoryID parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to an SQL injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2021
The CVE-2021-24848 vulnerability resides within the Mediamatic WordPress plugin version 2.7 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw in the mediamaticAjaxRenameCategory AJAX action. This vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users who can access the plugin's administrative interface, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing user privileges to escalate attacks. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization of the categoryID parameter, which is directly incorporated into database queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection attacks as a fundamental weakness in software design where untrusted data is improperly integrated into SQL command structures. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates through the AJAX interface, which typically handles asynchronous requests from the front-end to the back-end, making it a common target for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the underlying database through crafted SQL commands. An authenticated user can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, potentially leading to data exfiltration, database modification, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a server-side injection attack pattern that aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1213 technique for Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries seek to extract sensitive information from databases. Attackers could leverage this weakness to retrieve user credentials, modify content, or establish persistent access points within the WordPress installation. The SQL injection occurs during the category renaming process, suggesting that malicious actors could manipulate category structures to redirect traffic or hide malicious content within the media library.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-24848 should prioritize immediate patching of the Mediamatic plugin to version 2.8 or later, which includes proper input sanitization for the categoryID parameter. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of their WordPress installations. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access administrative interfaces. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual AJAX requests and database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs, particularly those that are directly incorporated into database operations, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in custom plugins and themes, as the attack surface for WordPress installations continues to expand with third-party integrations.