CVE-2022-1691 in Realty Workstation Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2022
The Realty Workstation WordPress plugin through 1.0.6 does not sanitise and escape the trans_edit parameter before using it in a SQL statement when an agent edit a transaction, leading to an SQL injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1691 affects the Realty Workstation WordPress plugin version 1.0.6 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that arises from inadequate input sanitization and escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically manifests when an agent attempts to edit a transaction within the plugin's administrative interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database through crafted inputs.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of the trans_edit parameter, which is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or escaping procedures. When an authenticated user with agent privileges attempts to edit transaction data, the plugin fails to validate or sanitize the trans_edit parameter before executing database operations. This omission creates an environment where malicious input can be interpreted as part of the SQL command rather than as data, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary SQL code. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075 which covers the use of valid accounts to access systems and execute commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows authenticated attackers to potentially execute unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive real estate transaction data, modify property records, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a valid agent account, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts. The attack surface is limited to the plugin's transaction editing functionality, but the potential for data compromise remains significant given the nature of real estate information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-1691 should prioritize immediate patching of the Realty Workstation plugin to version 1.0.7 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization and escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, database query parameterization, and strict access controls for administrative functions. Network segmentation and monitoring of database access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, while implementing web application firewalls can provide additional protection against SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, which emphasize proper input validation and output encoding as fundamental defenses against injection attacks.