CVE-2022-3689 in HTML Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/28/2022
The HTML Forms WordPress plugin before 1.3.25 does not properly properly escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to a SQL injection exploitable by high privilege users
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3689 affects the HTML Forms WordPress plugin version 1.3.24 and earlier, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines the security integrity of WordPress installations. This vulnerability stems from improper parameter escaping within the plugin's database interaction mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors with high privilege user accounts to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw specifically manifests when the plugin processes user-supplied input parameters without adequate sanitization, enabling attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input sequences that bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's failure to properly escape database parameters before incorporating them into SQL statements, which directly corresponds to CWE-89 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed with the privileges of the affected WordPress installation, potentially enabling full database compromise. The vulnerability requires high privilege user access to exploit, meaning that attackers must first obtain administrative or elevated user credentials, but once achieved, the impact extends far beyond simple privilege escalation to full database access and potential data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3689 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized data manipulation, extraction, and deletion operations on the WordPress database. This includes the potential to modify user accounts, inject malicious content, access sensitive information, and establish persistent backdoors within the affected systems. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches, particularly when the affected WordPress installation contains sensitive user data, business information, or personal identifiable information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges within the WordPress environment and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure.
The security implications extend beyond immediate database compromise to include potential compliance violations and regulatory consequences, as this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to protected data. Organizations utilizing the affected plugin version face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where WordPress serves as a critical business application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it requires legitimate administrative credentials to exploit, but once compromised, allows for persistent access and data manipulation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate plugin updates to version 1.3.25 or later, implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries, and comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized database access attempts.
The remediation process involves updating the HTML Forms plugin to version 1.3.25 or higher, which includes proper parameter escaping mechanisms that prevent the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring, conduct regular security assessments, and ensure all WordPress plugins and themes maintain current versions to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL query patterns and potential exploitation attempts, providing early warning capabilities against similar vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the importance of proper input validation and parameterized database queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, reinforcing the need for robust security practices throughout the software development lifecycle.