CVE-2022-1692 in CP Image Store with Slideshow Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2022
The CP Image Store with Slideshow WordPress plugin before 1.0.68 does not sanitise and escape the ordering_by query parameter before using it in a SQL statement in pages where the [codepeople-image-store] is embed, allowing unauthenticated users to perform an SQL injection attack
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1692 affects the CP Image Store with Slideshow WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 1.0.68. This security flaw resides in the plugin's handling of user input within SQL query construction, creating a pathway for unauthorized SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability manifests when the shortcode [codepeople-image-store] is embedded in WordPress pages, exposing the plugin to potential exploitation by unauthenticated attackers who can manipulate the ordering_by query parameter.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. When users interact with pages containing the embedded shortcode, the ordering_by parameter from the HTTP request is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper validation or sanitization. This primitive approach to input handling violates fundamental security principles and creates a direct injection vector where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through crafted parameter values. The vulnerability is classified as a SQL injection weakness under CWE-89, which represents one of the most critical database security flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected WordPress installation's database. Unauthenticated users can leverage this weakness to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to data enumeration, data modification, privilege escalation, and potentially complete database compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a widely used WordPress plugin, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers can use the SQL injection to map database structures and identify additional attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate plugin version updates to 1.0.68 or later, which contain proper input sanitization measures. Administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, proper parameterized queries, and comprehensive database access controls. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional detection and prevention capabilities, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of WordPress installations are essential to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activities and implementing proper access controls to limit database privileges for web applications, as recommended in the OWASP Top Ten security framework.