CVE-2023-6035 in EazyDocs Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/11/2023
The EazyDocs WordPress plugin before 2.3.4 does not properly sanitize and escape "data" parameter before using it in an SQL statement via an AJAX action, which could allow any authenticated users, such as subscribers, to perform SQL Injection attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2024
The CVE-2023-6035 vulnerability affects the EazyDocs WordPress plugin version 2.3.3 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that enables authenticated users to execute SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of the "data" parameter through an AJAX action, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping create a pathway for malicious SQL commands to be executed against the underlying database. The flaw specifically impacts the plugin's ability to process user-supplied data without proper validation, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL statements. When authenticated users, including low-privilege subscribers, access the affected AJAX endpoint, they can submit malicious data that gets directly embedded into database queries without adequate escaping or validation. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-89, which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require administrative privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any user with valid login credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate their privileges within the WordPress environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access user credentials, configuration data, and other sensitive information stored in the database. The vulnerability's accessibility to subscribers and other low-privilege users significantly amplifies its risk profile, as it provides an entry point for attackers to gain deeper access to the WordPress installation. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which involves network service scanning, as attackers might use this vulnerability to expand their access within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6035 primarily focus on immediate patching of the EazyDocs plugin to version 2.3.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input sanitization and output escaping. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, monitoring for unusual database activity, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly in WordPress plugins where user-generated content and AJAX functionality can create attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other parts of their WordPress installations.