CVE-2023-25045 in RSVPMaker Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2023
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in David F. Carr RSVPMaker allows SQL Injection.This issue affects RSVPMaker: from n/a through 9.9.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2023
The vulnerability identified as improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands represents a classic sql injection flaw that has been documented in the David F. Carr RSVPMaker application. This weakness allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or modification. The vulnerability exists within the application's handling of user-supplied data when constructing sql statements, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious sql code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
This specific implementation flaw falls under the commonly recognized CWE-89 category for sql injection vulnerabilities, where input validation and sanitization procedures are insufficient to prevent malicious sql code execution. The affected version range indicates that all versions from the initial release through 9.9.3 contain this vulnerability, suggesting it has persisted across multiple iterations of the software without proper remediation. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended sql command structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the RSVPMaker database. This includes potentially compromising guest lists, event details, and personal information of users who have interacted with the application. Attackers might also be able to modify or delete database records, disrupt service availability, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests that organizations using this software may have been exposed to risk for an extended period without proper patching.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The recommended approach involves adopting prepared statements with bound parameters rather than string concatenation when building sql commands, which eliminates the possibility of sql injection through user input manipulation. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that filter out or escape special characters that could be used in sql injection attacks. The principle of least privilege should also be enforced at the database level, ensuring that application accounts have minimal necessary permissions to reduce potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities and maintain secure coding practices aligned with industry standards such as those recommended by the open web application security project and the center for internet security.