CVE-2022-0169 in Photo Gallery by 10Web Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/14/2022
The Photo Gallery by 10Web WordPress plugin before 1.6.0 does not validate and escape the bwg_tag_id_bwg_thumbnails_0 parameter before using it in a SQL statement via the bwg_frontend_data AJAX action (available to unauthenticated and authenticated users), leading to an unauthenticated SQL injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2022
The Photo Gallery by 10Web WordPress plugin vulnerability CVE-2022-0169 represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against affected WordPress installations. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of the bwg_tag_id_bwg_thumbnails_0 parameter through the bwg_frontend_data AJAX endpoint, which is accessible to both authenticated and unauthenticated users. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices, creating a direct path for SQL injection attacks that can compromise database integrity and potentially lead to full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. The bwg_tag_id_bwg_thumbnails_0 parameter is directly used in database operations without appropriate escaping or validation mechanisms, making it susceptible to malicious input that can manipulate the underlying SQL statement structure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where insufficient validation of user-supplied data allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability's accessibility through the AJAX endpoint means that attackers do not require any authentication credentials to exploit the flaw, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential impact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. An attacker could leverage this SQL injection to extract sensitive information from the WordPress database, including user credentials, plugin configurations, and other stored data. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that malicious actors can target vulnerable installations without needing to first gain access to legitimate user accounts or administrative privileges. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The attack vector through the frontend AJAX endpoint makes this particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through normal website browsing activities without requiring specialized tools or techniques.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately update to version 1.6.0 or later of the Photo Gallery by 10Web plugin to remediate the SQL injection flaw. Security teams should also implement network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing web application firewalls to block malicious SQL injection payloads. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or components that may exhibit similar security flaws. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of securing all publicly accessible application components. Organizations should also review their input validation and sanitization practices across all web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.