CVE-2023-49764 in Advanced Database Cleaner Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2023
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Younes JFR. Advanced Database Cleaner.This issue affects Advanced Database Cleaner: from n/a through 3.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-49764 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Advanced Database Cleaner plugin developed by Younes JFR. This weakness manifests in the improper neutralization of special elements within SQL commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability exists across all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 3.1.2, indicating a prolonged exposure window that could have allowed attackers to exploit the flaw without detection. The nature of SQL injection vulnerabilities places this issue squarely within CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through input fields or parameters that the plugin processes. This flaw allows for arbitrary code execution, data theft, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, bypass authentication mechanisms, or even gain shell access to the underlying server depending on the database configuration and access permissions. The plugin's functionality as a database cleanup tool makes it particularly attractive to attackers since it likely operates with elevated privileges and has direct access to database operations.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risk to WordPress installations utilizing the Advanced Database Cleaner plugin. Organizations relying on this tool for database maintenance may unknowingly expose their systems to unauthorized access and data manipulation. The attack surface expands when considering that the vulnerability affects versions from the initial release through 3.1.2, suggesting that many installations may remain vulnerable for extended periods. The impact is further amplified by the plugin's potential to handle sensitive data during database cleaning operations, which could include personal information, business data, or other confidential records. Security teams must consider the potential for data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations that could result from exploitation of this flaw. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol use and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and manual attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-49764 should prioritize immediate patching of the Advanced Database Cleaner plugin to the latest version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in custom applications. Network segmentation and database access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing database operations. Additionally, security awareness training for developers and administrators should emphasize the importance of proper input sanitization and secure coding practices to prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability.