CVE-2024-4145 in Search & Replace Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2024
The Search & Replace WordPress plugin before 3.2.2 does not sanitize and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement, allowing admins to perform SQL injection attacks (such as within a multi-site network).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The CVE-2024-4145 vulnerability affects the Search & Replace WordPress plugin version 3.2.1 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection risk that specifically targets administrators within WordPress multi-site networks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and escaping mechanisms within the plugin's database query construction process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The flaw is particularly dangerous in multi-site configurations where administrative privileges can be leveraged across multiple WordPress installations, amplifying the potential impact of a successful attack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user-supplied parameters without proper sanitization before incorporating them into SQL statements. This failure to escape or validate input data creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL code through parameters that should be treated as safe. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's search and replace functionality, which is commonly used by administrators to modify content across their WordPress installations. When administrators interact with the plugin's interface, particularly in multi-site environments, the unsanitized parameters can be manipulated to execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. Attackers can leverage this SQL injection flaw to escalate privileges, access sensitive administrative data, modify user accounts, or even gain complete control over the WordPress installations. In multi-site networks, the attack surface expands significantly as a successful exploitation in one site can potentially affect the entire network of interconnected installations. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution within the database context, enabling attackers to bypass traditional security controls and potentially establish persistent access to the affected systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Search & Replace plugin version 3.2.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help prevent similar issues. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while monitoring for unusual database access patterns can help detect and respond to attacks targeting this vulnerability.