CVE-2023-0388 in Random Text Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2023
The Random Text WordPress plugin through 0.3.0 does not properly sanitize and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to a SQL injection exploitable by any authenticated users, such as subscribers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0388 affects the Random Text WordPress plugin version 0.3.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices. This issue resides within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data that is subsequently incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or sanitization measures. The flaw specifically targets the plugin's parameter processing mechanism where unfiltered input is directly concatenated into database queries, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation. Given that the vulnerability can be exploited by any authenticated user including subscribers, it represents a significant risk to WordPress installations that utilize this plugin, as it lowers the barrier for attack vectors and expands the potential threat surface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the category of SQL injection as defined by CWE-89, which occurs when an application fails to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into SQL commands. In this case, the Random Text plugin does not employ proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques when processing data from authenticated users. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious input that, when processed by the plugin, alters the intended SQL query structure and potentially allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only basic authentication privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by users with minimal permissions such as subscribers who typically have limited access rights within WordPress systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0388 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate their privileges within the WordPress environment. Since subscribers can exploit this vulnerability, attackers may gain access to sensitive user data, including personal information and potentially administrative credentials if the database structure allows for such access patterns. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for data manipulation and potential denial of service conditions when attackers can inject malicious SQL commands that disrupt normal database operations. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a low-effort, high-impact vector that can be exploited without requiring advanced technical skills, making it particularly attractive for automated attack tools and opportunistic exploitation campaigns.
Organizations and WordPress administrators should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by updating to the latest version of the Random Text plugin where the sanitization issues have been addressed. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in the future, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network-level monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, as well as conducting regular security audits of installed plugins to ensure compliance with security standards. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining updated security practices and the necessity of thorough code review processes, particularly for plugins that handle user input and interact with database systems, as this flaw represents a preventable security oversight that could have been detected through proper security testing and validation procedures.