CVE-2024-55989 in WP Simple Pay Lite Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Kyle M. Brown WP Simple Pay Lite Manager allows SQL Injection.This issue affects WP Simple Pay Lite Manager: from n/a through 1.4.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the wp simple pay lite manager plugin for wordpress systems. The issue stems from improper neutralization of special elements within sql commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql code into the database layer. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.4, indicating a persistent flaw that has not been adequately addressed in the affected release cycle. The root cause aligns with common weakness enumeration cwe-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a direct result of insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is directly concatenated into sql command strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. This allows attackers to manipulate the intended database query execution by injecting malicious sql fragments that can alter the logic flow, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets a payment processing plugin where database access could expose financial transaction details, user credentials, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially enabling complete system compromise through database manipulation.
Operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for wordpress installations using the affected plugin version. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to customer payment data, manipulate transaction records, or escalate privileges within the database system. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the plugin is updated or the affected version is removed from the system. Organizations using this plugin face significant compliance risks, particularly in environments governed by pci dss standards where sql injection vulnerabilities can result in audit failures and regulatory penalties. The attack complexity is relatively low, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by threat actors with basic sql injection knowledge.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability, though organizations without access to updated versions should consider implementing web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. Input validation and parameterized queries should be implemented as defensive measures, aligning with attack technique t1071.008 for application layer protocol manipulation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugin components, while maintaining detailed logging of database access patterns to detect anomalous activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks targeting their wordpress installations.