CVE-2024-3200 in wpForo Forum Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/01/2024
The wpForo Forum plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'slug' attribute of the 'wpforo' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.3.3 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 contributor-level access and above, 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 • 06/03/2024
The wpForo Forum plugin for WordPress represents a widely used community platform that enables users to create discussion forums within WordPress environments. This particular vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input through the wpforo shortcode functionality, specifically targeting the 'slug' attribute parameter. The issue affects all versions up to and including 2.3.3, making it a persistent concern for WordPress installations that have not yet updated to newer releases. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's database query construction mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests as a classic SQL injection vulnerability where the 'slug' parameter passed to the wpforo shortcode is not properly escaped or prepared before being incorporated into database queries. This occurs because the plugin fails to implement proper parameterized queries or adequate input sanitization techniques when processing the user-provided slug value. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the database level, allowing attackers to manipulate existing SQL queries rather than executing entirely new ones. This approach makes detection more challenging as the injected SQL elements are embedded within legitimate query structures.
Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious SQL commands against the WordPress database. The operational impact extends beyond simple data extraction, as attackers can potentially modify database contents, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where contributors have elevated permissions or where multiple users with varying access levels exist within the same forum. The ability to append additional SQL queries to existing ones provides attackers with considerable flexibility in crafting their payloads and achieving their objectives.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The weakness demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate database query preparation practices that violate fundamental security principles. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this represents a privilege escalation and credential access vector, potentially enabling adversaries to move laterally within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability also aligns with techniques described in ATT&CK's T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through database access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions, implementing web application firewalls, and monitoring database access patterns for suspicious activity.
The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the wpForo plugin to version 2.3.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper input validation at multiple layers, including WordPress plugin level sanitization, database query parameterization, and application-level access controls. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations, review user permissions, and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in preventing database-level attacks that can compromise entire WordPress environments.