CVE-2022-0255 in Database Backup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2022
The Database Backup for WordPress plugin before 2.5.1 does not properly sanitise and escape the fragment parameter before using it in a SQL statement in the admin dashboard, leading to a SQL injection issue
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0255 affects the Database Backup for WordPress plugin version 2.5.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress installations to unauthorized data access and manipulation. This issue resides within the plugin's admin dashboard functionality where user input is inadequately processed before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability specifically targets the fragment parameter handling within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure to properly sanitize and escape user-supplied input within the plugin's SQL query construction process. When administrators access certain dashboard features, the fragment parameter becomes directly embedded into SQL statements without appropriate validation or escaping mechanisms. This lack of input sanitization creates a classic SQL injection vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized administrative access to WordPress installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access tokens. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates within the admin dashboard context, meaning successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise and persistence within the WordPress environment. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which involves network service scanning and exploitation of web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0255 require immediate plugin version updates to 2.5.1 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization fixes. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including regular security audits of WordPress plugins, monitoring for unauthorized administrative activities, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all web application components. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and database query monitoring can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper parameter handling in web applications, particularly within administrative interfaces where elevated privileges can be gained through successful exploitation of such flaws.