CVE-2022-0826 in WP Video Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2022
The WP Video Gallery WordPress plugin through 1.7.1 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 WP Video Gallery WordPress plugin version 1.7.1 contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that exposes unauthenticated attackers to remote code execution capabilities. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's AJAX handling mechanism where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or escaping. The flaw specifically affects the plugin's video gallery functionality and represents a severe security weakness that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations using this component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the plugin's backend processing logic. When an AJAX request is made to the affected plugin endpoint, the application fails to properly sanitize a parameter before incorporating it into a SQL query structure. This parameter typically originates from user-facing inputs such as video IDs or gallery configurations, which are passed through the HTTP request without adequate filtering. The absence of input sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands that are then executed by the database engine. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which classifies improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands as a fundamental weakness in software security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. Unauthenticated attackers can leverage this SQL injection to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers may extract sensitive user credentials, modify or delete database content, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability's accessibility to unauthenticated users significantly amplifies its danger, as no login credentials or administrative privileges are required to exploit the flaw. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, where adversaries leverage unpatched applications to gain unauthorized access.
Organizations using WP Video Gallery plugin versions up to 1.7.1 face substantial risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's persistence in the plugin's codebase for an extended period indicates a lack of proper security testing during development phases. Immediate remediation requires updating to a patched version of the plugin where input parameters are properly sanitized and escaped before database insertion. Security administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and monitor database query logs for suspicious activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, reinforcing best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for web application security.