CVE-2022-0817 in BadgeOS Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2022
The BadgeOS WordPress plugin through 3.7.0 does not sanitise and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement via an AJAX action, leading to an SQL Injection exploitable by unauthenticated users
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2022
The BadgeOS WordPress plugin version 3.7.0 and earlier contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0817 that affects unauthenticated users. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input through an AJAX action endpoint, where a parameter lacks proper sanitization and escaping before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database operations without requiring authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable WordPress site.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the plugin's AJAX handling mechanism. When an unauthenticated user submits a request through the affected AJAX action, the plugin processes a parameter that should be sanitized before being used in SQL construction. This parameter is directly concatenated into SQL queries without appropriate escaping or sanitization measures, creating an opportunity for malicious input to alter the intended database query structure. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin fails to apply WordPress's standard sanitization functions to user-provided data before database insertion, violating fundamental security principles for database interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker can exploit this SQL injection to extract sensitive data from the WordPress database, including user credentials, personal information, and plugin configurations. Beyond data exfiltration, the vulnerability enables potential data manipulation, allowing attackers to modify or delete records within the database. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that malicious actors can leverage this vulnerability without requiring any prior access to the system, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks. This vulnerability could lead to complete database compromise, user account takeover, and potentially full system compromise if the database contains additional sensitive information or if the attacker can escalate privileges through other means.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0817 should prioritize immediate patching of the BadgeOS plugin to version 3.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization and database-level query parameterization. The principle of least privilege should be applied to database connections, ensuring that the WordPress application uses database accounts with minimal required permissions. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include database query logging and anomaly detection to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and regular security audits to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes that may not have been properly sanitized.