CVE-2022-0760 in Simple Link Directory Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2022
The Simple Link Directory WordPress plugin before 7.7.2 does not validate and escape the post_id parameter before using it in a SQL statement via the qcopd_upvote_action AJAX action (available to unauthenticated and authenticated users), leading to an unauthenticated SQL Injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2022
The Simple Link Directory WordPress plugin version 7.7.1 and earlier contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that affects unauthenticated users. This flaw exists in the qcopd_upvote_action AJAX endpoint which processes the post_id parameter without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization within the plugin's core functionality, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through crafted POST requests. The affected parameter post_id is directly incorporated into SQL statements without appropriate security controls, making it susceptible to injection attacks that can compromise database integrity and confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exposes the plugin to unauthorized data manipulation through SQL injection techniques. When the qcopd_upvote_action endpoint receives a request containing a malicious post_id parameter, the plugin fails to validate or escape the input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user associated with the WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects both authenticated and unauthenticated users since the AJAX endpoint does not require user authentication, expanding the attack surface significantly. According to CWE-89, this represents a classic SQL injection flaw where insufficient input validation creates opportunities for database manipulation through user-controllable parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to include complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this SQL injection to extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schema details, and potentially gain administrative access to the WordPress installation. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that any user with access to the target website can attempt to exploit this vulnerability without requiring prior authentication. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers may use this vulnerability to enumerate database structures and extract sensitive data. The impact is particularly severe in environments where WordPress plugins handle sensitive data or where database users have elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate plugin updates to version 7.7.2 or later where the SQL injection flaw has been addressed through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting known WordPress vulnerabilities. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that WordPress database users have minimal required privileges, preventing potential escalation attacks. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual AJAX requests targeting the qcopd_upvote_action endpoint, and regular security audits should verify that all WordPress plugins are updated to their latest secure versions. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can alert on suspicious SQL query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and escaping database queries properly, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.