CVE-2023-30495 in Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7 Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/20/2023
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Themefic Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7.This issue affects Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7: from n/a through 3.1.23.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2024
The CVE-2023-30495 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Themefic Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7 plugin, a widely used extension for wordpress websites. This vulnerability falls under the well-established CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements in sql commands. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of user input within sql query construction processes, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability affects versions ranging from the initial release through 3.1.23, indicating a prolonged exposure window that could have allowed extensive exploitation across numerous wordpress installations. The issue manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that can be executed by the database server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can enable attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this sql injection weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion of critical information stored within the wordpress installation. The vulnerability's presence in a popular contact form plugin means that any website utilizing this addon is potentially at risk, as the attack surface includes all forms that utilize the plugin's features. The exploitation typically requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. When combined with other attack vectors such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the compromised system, this vulnerability can facilitate more extensive breaches. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a database injection technique, which falls under the broader category of command injection and can be used to establish persistence within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-30495 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability, as the developers have likely released patches to resolve the improper neutralization of special elements in sql commands. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized query construction practices to prevent similar issues in the future, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before database interaction. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for sql injection patterns and anomalous database query behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing database access controls and least privilege principles can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability scanning of wordpress installations to identify outdated plugins and themes that may contain similar sql injection vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also involve database audit logging to track and analyze any suspicious sql operations that may indicate attempted exploitation of this or similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should maintain updated security baselines and conduct regular security assessments to ensure their wordpress environments remain protected against sql injection threats.