CVE-2024-3293 in rtMedia for BuddyPress and bbPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/23/2024
The rtMedia for WordPress, BuddyPress and bbPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to blind SQL Injection via the rtmedia_gallery shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 4.6.18 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 • 05/28/2024
The rtMedia plugin for WordPress represents a widely used multimedia management solution that integrates seamlessly with BuddyPress and bbPress platforms. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 4.6.18, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that rely on this plugin for media gallery functionality. The issue manifests through the rtmedia_gallery shortcode which processes user-supplied parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization measures.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient escaping mechanisms applied to user-provided parameters within the SQL query construction process. When authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher submit requests through the rtmedia_gallery shortcode, their input is directly incorporated into database queries without proper preparation or parameterization. This blind SQL injection vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate existing SQL statements by appending malicious SQL code that can extract sensitive information from the underlying database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform extensive reconnaissance operations against the target system. Authenticated users with minimal privileges can leverage this weakness to extract user credentials, configuration details, and other sensitive data stored within the WordPress database. The blind nature of the injection means that attackers cannot directly see query results, but can infer information through time-based or boolean-based techniques, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for systems with valuable data assets.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a critical weakness in software security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a SQL Injection technique under the T1190 category, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious SQL commands. The privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability means that attackers can leverage contributor-level access to gain deeper insights into the system's database structure and potentially extract information that could facilitate further attacks. Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of rtMedia plugin to address this vulnerability, as the affected versions present a significant risk to database security and data integrity.