CVE-2022-0787 in Limit Login Attempts Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2022
The Limit Login Attempts (Spam Protection) WordPress plugin before 5.1 does not sanitise and escape some parameters before using them in SQL statements via AJAX actions (available to unauthenticated users), leading to SQL Injections
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0787 affects the Limit Login Attempts (Spam Protection) WordPress plugin version 5.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress installations to unauthorized data access and manipulation. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's AJAX handling mechanisms, specifically targeting parameters used in SQL query construction. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects unauthenticated users, meaning attackers can exploit it without requiring valid login credentials, significantly broadening the attack surface.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into SQL statements through AJAX endpoints. This improper handling creates a classic SQL injection vulnerability where malicious input can manipulate database queries to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The AJAX actions available to unauthenticated users provide an attack vector that bypasses traditional authentication barriers, making the exploitation more accessible and potentially more damaging.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify database contents, extract sensitive information including user credentials and personal data, and potentially establish persistent access to affected systems. WordPress installations using vulnerable versions of this plugin face significant risk of compromise, particularly those with publicly accessible login pages or those targeting users who might attempt to access restricted areas. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the plugin's spam protection features, potentially allowing attackers to bypass the very security measures designed to protect the site.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 5.1 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization fixes. System administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious SQL injection attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, conducting regular security audits of third-party plugins, and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring tools. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper parameter sanitization in web applications and highlights how seemingly minor oversights in code can create significant security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their entire software ecosystem.