CVE-2024-1173 in WP ERP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/02/2024
The WP ERP | Complete HR solution with recruitment & job listings | WooCommerce CRM & Accounting plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the id parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.13.1 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 accounting manager or admin access, 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 • 01/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1173 affects the WP ERP plugin for WordPress, a comprehensive human resources solution that integrates with WooCommerce CRM and accounting functionalities. This plugin serves as a critical business tool for organizations managing employee records, recruitment processes, and financial data within WordPress environments. The vulnerability specifically resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input within the id parameter, creating a dangerous vector for malicious actors who possess legitimate access credentials. The flaw exists in versions up to and including 1.13.1, making a substantial portion of deployments potentially vulnerable to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and improper SQL query preparation mechanisms. When the plugin processes the id parameter, it fails to properly escape or parameterize the user-supplied value before incorporating it into database queries. This represents a classic time-based sql injection vulnerability where attackers can manipulate the query execution timing to infer database contents through carefully crafted payloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access with accounting manager or administrator privileges, which are typically legitimate user roles within business environments. The lack of proper input validation allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can be executed within the existing query context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration, as it provides attackers with the capability to extract sensitive information from the database through time-based timing attacks. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access employee records, financial data, user credentials, and other confidential business information stored within the WordPress database. The time-based nature of the injection means that attackers can determine database structure and contents by observing query response times, making the attack method both stealthy and effective. Organizations relying on this plugin for their HR and accounting operations face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1173 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability, as this represents the most direct solution to the identified flaw. System administrators should implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit the number of users with accounting manager or administrator roles, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Organizations should also consider implementing database query logging and regular security audits to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of their wordpress infrastructure, as this issue demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing database compromise.