CVE-2023-35910 in Quasar Form Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2023
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Nucleus_genius Quasar form free – Contact Form Builder for WordPress allows SQL Injection.This issue affects Quasar form free – Contact Form Builder for WordPress: from n/a through 6.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-35910 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Nucleus_genius Quasar form free – Contact Form Builder for WordPress plugin. This weakness stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability exists in versions ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 6.0 of the plugin, indicating a prolonged exposure window that could have allowed extensive exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests when user input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended database behavior through carefully crafted inputs.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a severe weakness in software systems. This classification reflects the fundamental risk that unfiltered user input can be interpreted as executable SQL code rather than simple data. The attack surface is particularly concerning within WordPress environments where plugins often handle user-submitted data through contact forms. When a malicious actor exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete records, or even escalate privileges within the affected system. The improper neutralization occurs at the application level where input validation and sanitization mechanisms fail to adequately process user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can enable full database access and potential system takeover. Attackers leveraging this SQL injection flaw could access user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the WordPress database. The exposure through version 6.0 means that a significant portion of users who have not updated their installations remain vulnerable to this attack vector. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites that rely on the Quasar form plugin for contact form functionality, creating a persistent threat for administrators who may not have discovered or patched the vulnerability in their systems. The indirect nature of the attack, where malicious input flows through a contact form interface, makes detection more challenging for security monitoring systems that might not immediately recognize the SQL injection pattern in form submission data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from WordPress administrators and security teams. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest version of the Quasar form plugin where the SQL injection vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and parameterized queries. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application can provide defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection attempts, though these should not be considered a replacement for proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include checks for deprecated or unpatched plugins, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in popular plugins can create significant security risks. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for unusual query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and maintaining comprehensive backup procedures to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful attacks.