CVE-2021-24861 in Quotes Collection Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2021
The Quotes Collection WordPress plugin through 2.5.2 does not validate and escape the bulkcheck parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to a SQL injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2021
The CVE-2021-24861 vulnerability resides within the Quotes Collection WordPress plugin version 2.5.2 and earlier, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines the security integrity of affected WordPress installations. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data, specifically the bulkcheck parameter that is processed without proper escaping or validation before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting arbitrary SQL commands through the vulnerable parameter, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic SQL injection vector where the bulkcheck parameter lacks proper sanitization before database interaction. When a user submits data containing the bulkcheck parameter, the plugin fails to implement adequate input filtering or parameterized query construction, enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes within the database context. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that mandate input validation and output encoding for all database interactions. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates within the WordPress ecosystem where plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive data.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress site administrators and end users, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potential full system compromise, as attackers could leverage the SQL injection to escalate privileges, modify database content, or even establish persistent backdoors within the affected WordPress environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-site or enterprise WordPress deployments where the plugin might be used across multiple installations, amplifying the potential attack surface and impact scope. This weakness directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely probe for such vulnerabilities before attempting exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-24861 require immediate action including updating to the patched version of the Quotes Collection plugin, implementing proper input validation at the application level, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or components within their WordPress installations. The remediation process must include thorough testing of the updated plugin to ensure compatibility with existing site functionality while maintaining security posture. Additional protective measures such as database query logging, regular security audits, and implementation of least privilege principles for database access can provide defense-in-depth layers against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their WordPress environments, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping third-party plugins current with security patches.