CVE-2023-0579 in YARPP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2023
The YARPP WordPress plugin before 5.30.3 does not validate and escape some of its shortcode attributes before using them in SQL statement/s, which could allow any authenticated users, such as subscribers to perform SQL Injection attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0579 affects the YARPP WordPress plugin version 5.30.2 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of database operations within WordPress environments. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's shortcode attribute handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation by authenticated users with minimal privileges.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to properly validate and escape shortcode attributes before incorporating them into SQL statements. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where attacker-controlled data is directly concatenated into database queries without proper sanitization. The vulnerability specifically impacts the plugin's shortcode processing functionality, which is designed to display related posts based on various criteria such as tags, categories, or custom fields. When these attributes are not adequately escaped or validated, they become susceptible to manipulation by unauthorized users.
Authenticated users, including subscribers who typically possess limited privileges within WordPress systems, can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database. This capability allows attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database content, or potentially escalate their privileges within the affected WordPress installation. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain persistence within the system or compromise the entire WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for WordPress administrators and security teams, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor validation flaws in popular plugins can create substantial security risks. The vulnerability affects any WordPress site running the affected YARPP plugin version, making it a widespread concern across numerous installations. Organizations must consider the potential for data breaches, unauthorized modifications, and possible system compromise when assessing their security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0579 primarily involve immediate plugin updates to version 5.30.3 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as role-based access controls, regular security audits, and monitoring of database queries for unusual patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as attackers would need authenticated access and may perform reconnaissance activities to identify vulnerable systems. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins or themes within the WordPress ecosystem.