CVE-2024-30491 in ProfileGrid Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Metagauss ProfileGrid.This issue affects ProfileGrid : from n/a through 5.7.8.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-30491 represents a critical SQL injection weakness within the Metagauss ProfileGrid application, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified starting point through 5.7.8. This flaw resides in the improper handling of special elements within SQL commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through user input. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection attacks where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The affected ProfileGrid application fails to properly neutralize input data before incorporating it into database operations, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed by the database engine.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied data is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper input validation or parameter binding mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious input that alters the intended flow of database queries, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data retrieval as it can allow for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and in severe cases, complete database compromise. This type of attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed through various application interfaces where user input is accepted and processed, including form submissions, API endpoints, or parameter handling mechanisms within the ProfileGrid framework. The lack of proper input sanitization creates a persistent risk that can be exploited across multiple attack surfaces within the application's architecture.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, potentially affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data managed by ProfileGrid. Organizations utilizing affected versions may experience unauthorized access to personal information, business data, or system credentials stored within the database. The vulnerability can facilitate data breaches that compromise user privacy and organizational security posture, particularly when the application handles sensitive profile information or user data. Additionally, successful exploitation can lead to service disruption through database corruption or denial of service conditions, while also providing attackers with potential footholds for further lateral movement within network environments. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that SQL injection vulnerabilities often serve as initial access vectors for more complex attack chains, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-30491 should prioritize immediate application updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, as recommended by the vendor. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized query techniques to prevent malicious data from being interpreted as SQL commands. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization filters can provide additional protective layers against exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected ProfileGrid versions and ensure proper patch management protocols are followed. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be performed to verify that the remediation measures are effective. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly focusing on proper database interaction patterns and input handling methodologies. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address any successful attacks that may occur.