CVE-2025-28873 in Shuffle Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/26/2025
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in NotFound Shuffle allows Blind SQL Injection. This issue affects Shuffle: from n/a through 0.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-28873 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NotFound Shuffle application that enables blind SQL injection attacks. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly neutralize special elements within SQL commands. The vulnerability exists in Shuffle versions ranging from an unspecified initial state through version 0.5, indicating a long-standing issue that has persisted across multiple iterations of the software. The improper neutralization of special SQL elements creates an attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through crafted inputs, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute blind SQL injection attacks by exploiting the application's failure to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This type of injection occurs when the application does not adequately validate or sanitize data entered by users, enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can manipulate the database's behavior without immediate visible feedback. The blind nature of the injection means that attackers must infer the results of their queries through indirect methods such as timing variations or different response behaviors, making the attack more sophisticated and harder to detect. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete critical data, and in some cases gain elevated privileges within the system. The blind SQL injection capability means that attackers can systematically probe the database structure and contents without direct error messages, making the attack more persistent and difficult to defend against. Organizations using Shuffle versions within the affected range face significant risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability could enable attackers to access user credentials, personal information, business data, and other sensitive materials stored within the application's database. Furthermore, the attack could potentially lead to privilege escalation or even full system compromise if the database user has elevated permissions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most critical immediate action is to upgrade to a patched version of Shuffle beyond version 0.5 where the SQL injection vulnerability has been resolved. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL code from user data. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application's codebase. The implementation of principle of least privilege for database connections and regular security audits can further reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect anomalous database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.