CVE-2023-40609 in Contact form 7 Custom Validation Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/06/2023
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Aiyaz, maheshpatel Contact form 7 Custom validation allows SQL Injection.This issue affects Contact form 7 Custom validation: from n/a through 1.1.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the contact form 7 custom validation plugin for wordpress systems. The weakness occurs when user input containing special sql characters is improperly processed and directly incorporated into sql command construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability affects versions ranging from n/a through 1.1.3 of the aiyaz maheshpatel contact form 7 custom validation plugin, indicating a widespread issue that could potentially impact numerous wordpress installations. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of form validation logic where user-submitted data is not properly escaped or filtered before being executed as part of database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to employ proper input validation and sanitization techniques when processing form submissions. When users interact with the contact form, their input data flows directly into sql command construction without appropriate neutralization of special characters that could alter the intended sql execution flow. This creates a scenario where malicious actors can inject arbitrary sql commands through carefully crafted input that manipulates the database query structure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses and follows the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploiting sql injection vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the validation layer of form processing, potentially allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms or extract sensitive database information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute unauthorized database operations including data exfiltration, modification of existing records, or even deletion of critical information. The vulnerability's presence in the custom validation component means that even seemingly benign form submissions could serve as attack vectors for more sophisticated exploitation attempts. Given that contact form plugins are commonly used across various wordpress installations, this vulnerability could affect numerous websites simultaneously, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools. The risk is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability exists in the validation layer, meaning that successful exploitation could occur even before legitimate form processing begins.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sql injection flaw, while also implementing additional defensive measures. Organizations should ensure that all instances of the affected plugin are updated to the latest secure versions that properly sanitize user input before database processing. Database access controls should be reviewed to limit the privileges of the application user account, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Input validation should be strengthened through proper parameterized queries and input sanitization techniques that prevent special sql characters from being interpreted as command syntax. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in both owasp top ten and iso 27001 standards for protecting against sql injection attacks.