CVE-2023-0278 in GeoDirectory Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2023
The GeoDirectory WordPress plugin before 2.2.24 does not properly sanitise and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to a SQL injection exploitable by high privilege users such as admin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2023
The GeoDirectory WordPress plugin vulnerability CVE-2023-0278 represents a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines the security integrity of WordPress installations. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.2.24 and specifically affects the plugin's handling of user input within database queries. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitisation and escaping of parameters before their incorporation into SQL statements, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping. Attackers with high privilege accounts such as administrators can exploit this vulnerability by submitting malicious input that bypasses the plugin's input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction since administrative privileges are already compromised, making the attack surface particularly dangerous for WordPress sites relying on GeoDirectory for location-based services and directory functionality.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to data integrity and confidentiality. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, personal data, and administrative settings. The vulnerability's classification as a high-privilege exploit means that attackers who gain administrative access can leverage this weakness to perform actions such as modifying user permissions, injecting malicious code, or establishing persistent backdoors within the WordPress environment. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for businesses and organizations that depend on GeoDirectory for their directory and mapping services.
The attack vector for CVE-2023-0278 operates through the plugin's parameter handling mechanisms within its SQL query construction processes. When administrators interact with GeoDirectory features that involve database operations, malicious input can be injected into the SQL execution flow. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks. The flaw's existence in a widely-used WordPress plugin amplifies its potential impact across numerous websites and organizations that rely on location-based directory services.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to GeoDirectory version 2.2.24 or later, which includes proper input sanitisation and escaping mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, conducting regular security audits of WordPress installations, and maintaining comprehensive backup procedures to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of following security best practices such as principle of least privilege, regular security updates, and proper input validation across all application components. This case exemplifies how seemingly minor input handling flaws can create significant security risks in content management systems.