CVE-2025-30971 in XV Random Quotes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Xavi Ivars XV Random Quotes allows SQL Injection. This issue affects XV Random Quotes: from n/a through 1.40.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-30971 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the XV Random Quotes plugin, a widely used WordPress component for displaying random quotes. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands, making it a classic example of how user input can be manipulated to execute unauthorized database operations. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of user-supplied data within SQL queries, creating an exploitable path where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL code through input parameters that are not properly sanitized or escaped.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to adequately validate and sanitize input before incorporating it into database queries. When users interact with the plugin's functionality, particularly through parameters that influence SQL query construction, the application does not employ proper input sanitization techniques or parameterized queries. This allows attackers to craft malicious input that gets directly embedded into SQL statements, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 1.40, indicating a persistent flaw that has not been adequately addressed in the plugin's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable full database compromise and potential system takeover. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the WordPress database, including user credentials, personal data, and potentially administrative access credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this is a popular plugin, increasing the likelihood of exploitation across multiple websites. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests that the developers may not have implemented proper security measures or may have overlooked fundamental input validation practices that are standard in secure application development.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most critical step involves upgrading to a patched version of the XV Random Quotes plugin if one is available, though given the vulnerability's scope and the version range affected, this may not be sufficient. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or parameterized before database interaction. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries represents the most effective defense mechanism against SQL injection attacks and aligns with recommended practices from the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and database activity monitoring should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack.