CVE-2023-5315 in Google Maps Made Simple Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
The Google Maps made Simple plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the plugin's shortcode in versions up to, and including, 0.6 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber-level and above permissions to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5315 affects the Google Maps made Simple plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions up to and including 0.6. This security flaw represents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that stems from inadequate input sanitization and improper query preparation within the plugin's shortcode functionality. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's handling of user-supplied parameters, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by authenticated users possessing subscriber-level permissions or higher.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the plugin's shortcode processing mechanism where user input is not properly escaped before being incorporated into SQL queries. This lack of input validation allows attackers to manipulate the existing SQL structure by injecting malicious SQL fragments that can be appended to the original queries. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin processes shortcode parameters that are intended to be used in database operations, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can directly influence query execution. According to CWE-89, this represents a classic SQL injection weakness where insufficient input escaping leads to unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables authenticated attackers to extract sensitive information from the WordPress database without requiring administrative privileges. An attacker with subscriber-level access or higher can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data retrieval operations, potentially accessing user credentials, personal information, configuration data, or other sensitive database content. The vulnerability essentially allows for arbitrary SQL query execution within the context of the WordPress database, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from databases and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it exploits legitimate user permissions to gain unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5315 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability through proper input sanitization and parameterized query preparation. System administrators should implement strict input validation measures and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before database insertion. The WordPress security community recommends disabling the vulnerable plugin until a patched version is available and implementing additional monitoring for unusual database query patterns. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify potential SQL injection attempts, while database access controls should be reviewed to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security audits of all WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement proper security testing procedures before plugin deployment.