CVE-2022-3254 in Classifieds Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2022
The WordPress Classifieds Plugin WordPress plugin before 4.3 does not properly sanitise and escape some parameters before using them in a SQL statement via an AJAX action available to unauthenticated users and when a specific premium module is active, leading to a SQL injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3254 affects the WordPress Classifieds Plugin version 4.3 and earlier, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines the security integrity of affected WordPress installations. This vulnerability specifically manifests when a premium module is active within the plugin, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through unauthenticated AJAX requests. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing attackers to manipulate SQL queries through carefully crafted parameters that are directly incorporated into database operations without proper validation.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs through the plugin's AJAX handler, which is designed to process user requests without requiring authentication. When the premium module is active, the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into SQL statements, creating a direct injection vector. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental flaw in database query construction where untrusted data is concatenated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the WordPress database, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, modifying database content, or even escalating privileges within the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3254 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the classifieds platform's core functionality. Unauthenticated users can exploit this vulnerability to perform actions such as retrieving user credentials, accessing private listings, modifying classified content, or even executing destructive operations on the database. The vulnerability's accessibility through AJAX endpoints means that attackers do not require valid user accounts or elevated privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for websites that rely on the classifieds plugin for business operations. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes the use of application layer protocols for command and control communications, as the vulnerability enables unauthorized database manipulation through legitimate application interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3254 primarily involve immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 4.3 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and parameterization of SQL queries. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious AJAX requests that attempt to manipulate SQL parameters. Additionally, the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the plugin's codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify potential sanitization gaps, and organizations should maintain updated vulnerability assessment tools to detect exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for unusual query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as implementing proper access controls to limit the damage that could occur if the vulnerability is successfully exploited.