CVE-2023-2188 in Colibri Page Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2023
The Colibri Page Builder for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the ‘post_id’ parameter in versions up to, and including, 1.0.227 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with administrator-level privileges to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2188 affects the Colibri Page Builder plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that undermines database integrity and user confidentiality. This vulnerability specifically targets versions up to and including 1.0.227, where the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input within its SQL query execution process. The issue manifests through the 'post_id' parameter which serves as an entry point for malicious SQL injection attempts, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization practices within the plugin's codebase. When the 'post_id' parameter is processed, the system fails to apply proper escaping mechanisms that would prevent malicious SQL code from being executed as part of the intended query. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection vulnerabilities as a critical threat to database security. The lack of prepared statements or proper parameter binding creates an environment where attackers can append additional SQL commands to existing queries, effectively bypassing normal access controls and database security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly for WordPress installations that rely on the Colibri Page Builder plugin. Authenticated attackers with administrator-level privileges can exploit this flaw to execute unauthorized database operations, potentially gaining access to sensitive user information, administrative credentials, and other confidential data stored within the WordPress database. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform data extraction, modification, or deletion operations that could compromise the entire website's integrity and user trust. According to ATT&CK framework category T1071.004, this represents a technique for Application Layer Protocol: SQL Injection, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to manipulate backend database systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their WordPress installations. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of the Colibri Page Builder plugin where the SQL injection vulnerability has been patched and properly addressed. Additionally, administrators should enforce strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, implement proper parameter binding techniques, and establish comprehensive database access controls. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and proper database query construction practices, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten category A03:2021 - Injection, which emphasizes the need for robust protection against injection attacks in web applications.