CVE-2023-26015: SQL Injection Vulnerability in Chris Richardson MapPress Maps for WordPress

A recent CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) has been identified, CVE-2023-26015, which is an SQL Injection vulnerability found in the popular WordPress plugin called Chris Richardson MapPress Maps for WordPress. This plugin is widely used to add customized Google Maps to WordPress websites easily, without needing any coding knowledge. The vulnerability affects MapPress Maps for WordPress from an unknown version up to version 2.85.4. This post aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the vulnerability, including code snippets, original references, and details about the exploit itself.

Details About the Vulnerability

The CVE-2023-26015 is classified as an "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command" vulnerability, more commonly known as SQL Injection. SQL Injection is a code injection technique where an attacker can execute malicious SQL queries on the backend database by injecting malicious code into user input fields (such as web forms).

Affected Versions

This issue affects MapPress Maps for WordPress from an unknown starting version through version 2.85.4.

Reference

The original reference to this vulnerability can be found in the CVE database: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-26015

Code Snippet

The vulnerability lies in the improper sanitation of user-supplied inputs within the MapPress Maps for WordPress plugin. The following code snippet demonstrates a vulnerable query in the plugin:

function get_mappress_maps($post_id) {
    global $wpdb;
    $table_name = $wpdb->prefix . 'mappress_maps';
    $sql = $wpdb->prepare("SELECT * FROM $table_name WHERE postid = %s", $post_id);
    $maps = $wpdb->get_results($sql, OBJECT);
    return $maps;
}

In the code snippet above, the $post_id is retrieved from the user input and inserted directly into the SQL query, without proper sanitation. An attacker can inject malicious SQL code by manipulating the $post_id value.

Identify a website that uses the affected version of the MapPress Maps for WordPress plugin.

2. Locate a form or input field that calls the get_mappress_maps() function and accepts the $post_id as input.
3. Inject malicious SQL code into the input field, in order to manipulate the query and gain unauthorized access to the website's database.

An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can

- Read sensitive data from the website's database, including user data, passwords, and other confidential information.

Modify the content of the website's database, leading to potential data loss or corruption.

- Execute arbitrary SQL queries on the database, which may further compromise the website's security and stability.

To protect your WordPress website from being exploited via this vulnerability

1. Update the MapPress Maps for WordPress plugin to the latest version (if available) or a version that has been patched to fix this issue.
2. Ensure proper sanitation of user-supplied inputs is implemented within your website, including input fields that interact with the MapPress Maps for WordPress plugin.
3. Regularly monitor your website for signs of unauthorized access, and act swiftly to address any security breaches that may occur.

In conclusion, the SQL Injection vulnerability found in Chris Richardson's MapPress Maps for WordPress plugin (CVE-2023-26015) poses a significant threat to websites using an affected version of the plugin. It is recommended that website administrators and developers take immediate action to update the plugin and ensure proper input sanitation to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the security of their websites.

Timeline

Published on: 11/03/2023 13:15:08 UTC
Last modified on: 11/13/2023 18:47:00 UTC