CVE-2022-4372 in Web Invoice Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/03/2023
The Web Invoice WordPress plugin through 2.1.3 does not properly sanitize and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to a SQL Injection exploitable by high privilege users such as admin by default. However, depending on the plugin configuration, other users, such as subscriber could exploit this as well
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
The CVE-2022-4372 vulnerability affects the Web Invoice WordPress plugin version 2.1.3 and earlier, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines database security. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, specifically when processing user-provided parameters in SQL queries. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database operations through malicious input, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability's severity is heightened by its accessibility to users with elevated privileges such as administrators, though configuration variations may extend exploitation capabilities to lower-privilege users including subscribers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize a parameter before incorporating it into a SQL statement. This improper handling creates an entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through the affected parameter. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses in software that permits unauthorized database access through malicious SQL input. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute commands against the underlying database, potentially extracting sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configurations. The attack vector typically involves manipulating input fields or parameters that are directly used in database queries without proper validation or escaping.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-4372 extends beyond immediate data compromise, as it can facilitate broader system infiltration and persistent access. When exploited by administrators, attackers gain complete control over the affected WordPress installation's database, potentially enabling them to modify user accounts, inject malicious content, or establish backdoors. The vulnerability's potential for exploitation by subscribers represents a significant escalation risk, as it allows less privileged users to leverage the flaw for unauthorized database access. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts with elevated privileges, though in this case the vulnerability enables unauthorized privilege escalation through database manipulation rather than legitimate credential compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection flaw, as recommended by the plugin developers and WordPress security teams. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress installations remain current with security fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in the plugin code would prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database access patterns and unauthorized parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly regarding input validation and database security. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes remain essential for identifying and addressing similar vulnerabilities before exploitation occurs.