CVE-2022-0781 in Nirweb Support Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2022
The Nirweb support WordPress plugin before 2.8.2 does not sanitise and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement via an AJAX action (available to unauthenticated users), leading to an SQL injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0781 affects the Nirweb support WordPress plugin version 2.8.1 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper input validation and sanitization practices. This flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data through an AJAX endpoint that lacks authentication requirements, making it accessible to all users including unauthenticated attackers. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape a parameter before incorporating it into a SQL query structure, creating an avenue for malicious data manipulation. This specific weakness aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a result of inadequate input validation and improper output encoding.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the plugin's AJAX action mechanism, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious SQL commands into the database layer. Since the affected endpoint does not require authentication, any user can trigger the vulnerable code path simply by sending crafted requests to the plugin's AJAX handler. The parameter in question flows directly from user input into the SQL execution context without appropriate sanitization measures, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially extract sensitive information, modify data, or execute unauthorized operations. This type of vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper neutralization of special elements in SQL queries, which represents a fundamental security flaw in database interaction protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0781 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the WordPress database. Successful exploitation could allow malicious actors to retrieve user credentials, personal information, plugin configurations, and other sensitive data that may be stored in the database. The unauthenticated nature of the attack vector significantly amplifies the risk, as it requires no prior access credentials or privileges to exploit. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation and can be leveraged for data theft, privilege escalation, and system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning for WordPress installations where the Nirweb support plugin is deployed, as these systems often contain sensitive user data and administrative information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 2.8.2 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization fixes. Administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting known vulnerable endpoints. Additional defensive measures include monitoring database query logs for unusual patterns and implementing least privilege principles for database accounts to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security hardening practices such as input validation at multiple layers, parameterized queries, and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their WordPress installations.