The WP Hotel Booking plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'room_type' parameter of the /wphb/v1/rooms/search-rooms REST API endpoint. This vulnerability affects all versions up to, and including, 2.1.0 due to insufficient escaping on user-supplied parameters and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This SQL Injection vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to append additional SQL queries into existing queries, potentially extracting sensitive information from the database.
The severity level of this vulnerability is critical, with a CVSS score of 10. This rating indicates a severe risk to organizations that utilize the WP Hotel Booking plugin, emphasizing the necessity for immediate remediation. The potential for exploitation is high, as attackers can execute their own SQL queries without authentication, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately. The risk to organizations includes not only data loss but also potential reputational damage and compliance violations, especially in industries that handle sensitive information.
As of now, there are known exploitations in the wild, with a proof of concept available on GitHub, indicating the urgency for organizations to secure their systems against this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (SQL Injection), which signifies improper handling of user input in database queries. The CVSS score from the NVD is 9.8, further reinforcing the critical nature of this vulnerability. It was published on June 20, 2024, and affects the Thimpress WP Hotel Booking plugin, particularly all versions up to 2.1.0.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient preparation of SQL queries and improper escaping of user-supplied input. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity, meaning that an attacker does not need extensive skills to exploit it. No privileges are required to execute the attack, and user interaction is not necessary, making it particularly dangerous.
Potential impacts include a high risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information stored in the database, modify data, or disrupt service availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world risks associated with this vulnerability include unauthorized data access and potential data breaches. Organizations using the WP Hotel Booking plugin may face significant compliance issues if sensitive information, such as customer data, is compromised due to this vulnerability. The blast radius is extensive, as many WordPress sites utilize this widely adopted plugin, increasing the potential for widespread impact.
Given the CVSS score of 10 and the fact that it is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The EPSS score of 0.818 indicates a high likelihood of exploitation in the wild, further necessitating immediate action.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the WP Hotel Booking plugin are all versions up to and including 2.1.0. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to the latest version to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The latest version of the WP Hotel Booking plugin should be installed to address this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) to filter malicious input, restricting access to the affected endpoints, and monitoring logs for suspicious activity. For further guidance on security testing, organizations can refer to penetration testing practices.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual database queries and unauthorized access attempts. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected changes to data or unusual patterns of database access, should also be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its demonstration of the risks associated with insufficient input validation in web applications. As SQL Injection remains one of the most prevalent attack vectors, organizations must adopt robust secure coding practices. This vulnerability highlights the need for regular security assessments and continuous monitoring to identify and mitigate potential weaknesses before they can be exploited.
Security teams should evaluate their current security posture and consider implementing a comprehensive vulnerability management program to proactively address similar issues. Additionally, staying informed on emerging threats and trends in the security landscape is essential for defending against future vulnerabilities.
For organizations leveraging cloud infrastructure, regular audits and adherence to security best practices are crucial. The integration of security at every stage of development must be a priority to ensure resilient applications.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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