CVE-2022-1182 in Visual Slide Box Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2022
The Visual Slide Box Builder WordPress plugin through 3.2.9 does not sanitise and escape various parameters before using them in SQL statements via some of its AJAX actions available to any authenticated users (such as subscriber), leading to SQL Injections
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2022
The Visual Slide Box Builder WordPress plugin version 3.2.9 and earlier contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that affects authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or lower. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's AJAX handling mechanism where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or escaping. The flaw allows malicious actors with minimal privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the plugin's AJAX endpoints. When authenticated users access specific plugin functionalities, the system processes parameters such as IDs, filters, and configuration values directly within SQL construction without employing proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities arising from inadequate input handling in database operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond basic user authentication, making it accessible to any registered user within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, user credential theft, and potential lateral movement within the affected WordPress installation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify content, inject malicious code into the WordPress environment, or extract sensitive information from the database. The implications are particularly severe in multi-site installations or environments where WordPress is used for critical business operations, as the vulnerability could serve as a foothold for broader network compromise. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1213.002 for data from information repositories.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to WordPress installations and employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict user privileges to minimize the potential impact of compromised accounts. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in all database interactions should be enforced as security best practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and the critical need for regular security assessments of third-party components in WordPress environments.