CVE-2024-32709 in WP-Recall Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Plechev Andrey WP-Recall.This issue affects WP-Recall: from n/a through 16.26.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32709 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the WP-Recall plugin for WordPress, a widely used contact form and recall management system. This weakness stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly neutralize special elements within SQL commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through user-supplied inputs. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of WP-Recall ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 16.26.5, indicating a broad affected scope that encompasses numerous installations across different WordPress environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the plugin processes user inputs without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code into database queries. This occurs primarily through parameters that are directly incorporated into SQL statements without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to execute unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is embedded into SQL commands without proper neutralization. The vulnerability's classification as an improper neutralization of special elements demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in input processing that violates core security principles for database interaction.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to WordPress installations using the affected WP-Recall plugin, as it can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the database. Attackers can potentially extract confidential information such as user credentials, personal contact details, or other sensitive data that may be stored in the plugin's database tables. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by threat actors with varying skill levels.
The security implications of CVE-2024-32709 align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol traffic, T1046 for network service scanning, and T1190 for exploit public-facing application. Organizations using WP-Recall should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 16.26.6 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Additional mitigation strategies include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection attempts, restricting database user privileges to minimize potential damage, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing database injection attacks, reinforcing industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for secure coding practices.