CVE-2022-0827 in Bestbooks Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2022
The Bestbooks WordPress plugin through 2.6.3 does not sanitise and escape some parameters before using them 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 • 06/13/2022
The CVE-2022-0827 vulnerability affects the Bestbooks WordPress plugin version 2.6.3 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability specifically resides within the plugin's AJAX handling mechanism where user-supplied parameters are inadequately sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw represents a classic SQL injection vector that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the plugin's backend processing functions. When the AJAX action is triggered, the plugin accepts parameters from HTTP requests and directly incorporates them into SQL query construction without appropriate sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This failure to properly handle user input creates an environment where attackers can manipulate database queries through carefully crafted malicious inputs. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is used in database queries without proper validation or escaping. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this affects an AJAX endpoint, meaning the injection can be triggered through standard web request mechanisms without requiring direct database access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected WordPress installation's database. Unauthenticated attackers can potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details. The vulnerability also enables data manipulation and deletion operations, potentially leading to complete database compromise. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which involves application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web applications through SQL injection techniques. The exposure of this vulnerability through the AJAX endpoint means that attackers can leverage it during reconnaissance phases without detection, as the attack pattern mimics legitimate application behavior and can bypass many standard security monitoring mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0827 should prioritize immediate patching of the Bestbooks plugin to version 2.6.4 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering, database query parameterization, and web application firewall rules to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin across their infrastructure and ensure proper access controls are in place. Additionally, implementing database query monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include reviewing other plugins and themes for similar sanitization issues, as this vulnerability pattern is commonly found in poorly secured WordPress installations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely application of security updates and maintain comprehensive audit logs for security incident response activities.