The WP Statistics WordPress plugin before 13.0.8 relies on using the WordPress esc_sql() function on a field not delimited by quotes and does not prepare the query beforehand. This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to a page meant for administrators, exposing sensitive data to any visitor, including unauthenticated users. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS score of 7.5.
Risk to organizations includes the potential for attackers to execute unauthorized SQL queries, which could lead to data exposure or manipulation. As this vulnerability has been confirmed and is rated high in severity, organizations using this plugin should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability was published on June 7, 2021, and affects all versions of the WP Statistics plugin prior to 13.0.8. With the potential for significant impact, it is crucial for organizations to remain vigilant and ensure their systems are updated to the latest versions to mitigate the associated risks.
Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, but given the high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability, it remains a priority for security teams to address it in their patch cycles.
Vulnerability Details
The WP Statistics WordPress plugin is a widely used tool for tracking visitors and providing statistics about the website's traffic. The vulnerability is classified as a SQL injection, which is identified by CWE-89. The affected versions are all versions prior to 13.0.8.
According to the CVSS 3.1 vector string, the attack vector is network-based, with a low attack complexity, requiring no privileges or user interaction. The confidentiality impact is rated high, while integrity and availability impacts are rated none.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user input, where the esc_sql() function was applied without prior preparation of the query, leading to potential SQL injection. The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit this vulnerability remotely.
The attack complexity is low, as there are no required privileges or user interactions, making it relatively easy for attackers to exploit this vulnerability. The confidentiality impact is high, indicating that sensitive data may be exposed, while integrity and availability impacts are rated none, as the vulnerability does not directly affect the integrity of the data or the availability of the system.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk of this vulnerability is significant, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations using the WP Statistics plugin need to understand the implications of this vulnerability, especially given its potential blast radius across sites utilizing this plugin. The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
With an EPSS score of 0.832, indicating a high likelihood of exploitation, it is advisable to prioritize remediation efforts. Failure to address this vulnerability may lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the WP Statistics plugin prior to 13.0.8. Organizations should ensure they are using the latest version to protect against this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to WP Statistics version 13.0.8 or later. Regularly applying security patches is vital for maintaining the integrity of the website.
In cases where immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) to help filter and monitor HTTP requests. Monitoring access logs for unusual patterns may also aid in detecting potential exploitation attempts.
Organizations should validate remediation effectiveness through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor their logs for any unusual SQL query patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Anomalies in traffic patterns or unexpected database interactions should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability emphasizes the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in handling user inputs to prevent SQL injection attacks. Security teams must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and patching vulnerabilities in third-party applications.
For a deeper understanding of vulnerabilities and their management, organizations can refer to the vulnerability management program. Effective threat modeling can also aid in understanding the attack surface and enhancing defenses against similar vulnerabilities.
Finally, organizations should consider regular security assessments, including penetration testing methodologies, to ensure their defenses remain robust against evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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