CVE-2022-0786 in KiviCare Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2022
The KiviCare WordPress plugin before 2.3.9 does not sanitise and escape some parameters before using them in SQL statements via the ajax_post AJAX action with the get_doctor_details route, leading to SQL Injections exploitable by unauthenticated users
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0786 affects the KiviCare WordPress plugin version 2.3.8 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines the security posture of affected WordPress installations. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's ajax_post AJAX action handler specifically when processing requests with the get_doctor_details route, creating an attack vector that allows unauthenticated threat actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate sanitization and escaping of user-supplied parameters before their incorporation into SQL statements. When the get_doctor_details route processes AJAX requests through the ajax_post endpoint, the plugin fails to properly validate or escape input data, enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into database queries. This weakness aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as those where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's AJAX handling mechanism, exploiting the lack of input sanitization in the parameter processing pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides unauthenticated attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected WordPress database. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete records, potentially escalate privileges, or even gain full control over the affected WordPress installation. The fact that no authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface and makes it particularly dangerous in environments where the plugin is widely deployed. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities that allow data manipulation.
The exploitation of CVE-2022-0786 demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameter sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling database operations. The vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper data handling practices, where user input is directly incorporated into database queries without adequate protection measures. Organizations running affected versions of the KiviCare plugin face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential compromise of their entire WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects not only the plugin's functionality but also the broader security of WordPress installations that rely on proper parameter handling to prevent database manipulation attacks.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrade to KiviCare plugin version 2.3.9 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for suspicious AJAX requests, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations. The fix typically involves implementing proper input sanitization, parameterized queries, and escaping mechanisms before database operations. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls, regular security audits, and maintaining up-to-date security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of their web applications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust input validation and the implementation of security-by-design principles in all web application development and maintenance processes.