CVE-2024-6847 in Chatbot with ChatGPT Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2024
The Chatbot with ChatGPT WordPress plugin before 2.4.5 does not properly sanitise and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to a SQL injection exploitable by unauthenticated users when submitting messages to the chatbot.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6847 affects the Chatbot with ChatGPT WordPress plugin version 2.4.4 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user-submitted chat messages, where insufficient input validation and sanitization allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code into database queries. The flaw specifically manifests when the plugin processes message submissions without properly escaping or sanitizing parameters before incorporating them into SQL statements, creating an attack surface that bypasses standard WordPress security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to employ proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques when processing chatbot messages. When users submit messages through the chatbot interface, the plugin directly incorporates these inputs into database queries without adequate escaping mechanisms. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a fundamental weakness in application security. The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious chat messages containing SQL injection payloads that manipulate the underlying database operations, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify data, or even execute administrative commands within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6847 extends beyond simple data theft, as unauthenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the WordPress database and potentially compromise the entire site. Attackers can exploit this weakness to retrieve user credentials, administrative access tokens, or other sensitive information stored in the database. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature makes it particularly dangerous as it does not require any prior login credentials or privileged access to exploit. This weakness can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as it enables unauthorized data access through database manipulation. The attack vector is straightforward since the vulnerability is triggered by normal chatbot message submissions, making it difficult for administrators to detect malicious activity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-6847 require immediate action from WordPress site administrators to upgrade the Chatbot with ChatGPT plugin to version 2.4.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user inputs, particularly those processed through database queries. The recommended approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, aligning with industry best practices established by OWASP and the Center for Internet Security. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits and monitoring of database queries can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining updated security patches across all WordPress plugins and themes ensures comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities. The fix implemented in version 2.4.5 should include proper escaping of user inputs and validation of all parameters before database insertion, ensuring that the plugin adheres to secure coding practices and maintains compliance with security standards.