CVE-2022-3142 in NEX-Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/19/2022
The NEX-Forms WordPress plugin before 7.9.7 does not properly sanitise and escape user input before using it in SQL statements, leading to SQL injections. The attack can be executed by anyone who is permitted to view the forms statistics chart, by default administrators, however can be configured otherwise via the plugin settings.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3142 affects the NEX-Forms WordPress plugin version 7.9.6 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that compromises database integrity and system security. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, specifically when processing user data for statistical chart generation. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate SQL queries through crafted input parameters, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the WordPress database. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond typical user permissions since it can be exploited by individuals with access to view form statistics, which by default includes administrators but can be configured for broader access through plugin settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-provided data before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability categorized under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The vulnerability operates through the plugin's statistical chart rendering functionality, where user input from form submissions is directly embedded into database queries without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that alters the intended SQL query structure, potentially allowing them to extract database contents, modify records, or execute unauthorized administrative commands. The vulnerability's accessibility is particularly concerning as it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it a significant risk for WordPress installations where form statistics are accessible to non-administrative users.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3142 extends far beyond simple data integrity concerns, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. An attacker who successfully executes this SQL injection could gain access to sensitive user information including personal details, login credentials, and form submission data that may contain confidential business information. The vulnerability's exposure through the statistics chart functionality means that even users with limited privileges could potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where form access permissions are configured for broad user groups. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate plugin functionality, making it harder to detect through standard security monitoring systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, as it exploits weaknesses in the web application's data handling processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3142 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 7.9.7 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization and escaping mechanisms to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also implement network-level security controls including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious SQL query patterns. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict form statistics access permissions to minimize the attack surface, limiting access to only those users who require this functionality for legitimate business purposes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output escaping in web applications, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten categories and the principle of least privilege. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of other plugins and themes to identify similar sanitization flaws, particularly in components that handle user input and database interactions. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be implemented to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.