Better Search < 2.2.3 - SQL Injection

2019-03-15 00:00
Unknown

Strategic Overview

Status
Patched in 2.2.3
Affected Plugin
Better Search – Relevant search results for WordPress
Affected Version
< 2.2.3
CVSS
9.3Critical
Weakness type
CWE-89 · Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
CVE
CVE pending
View all Better Search – Relevant search results for WordPress vulnerabilities

At a glance

This record tracks a critical-severity Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in the Better Search WordPress plugin, affecting versions < 2.2.3. It carries a CVSS score of 9.3 (reachable over the network; low attack complexity; high confidentiality impact). Exploitation requires no authentication. The issue is fixed in version 2.2.3; sites on affected versions should update now. Disclosed March 2019, reported by Unknown.

Vulnerability Overview

The Better Search plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via an unknown parameter in versions up to, and including, 2.2.3 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.

Technical Analysis

The vector marks this flaw as remotely reachable over the network, with low attack complexity — no special timing or configuration is needed, and no privileges on the target site, and no interaction from a victim user. A successful exploit has high impact on confidentiality.

CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')

Reaching this weakness in Better Search < 2.2.3 takes a caller who can reach the endpoint. SQL injection happens when request data is concatenated into a query instead of being bound as a parameter, letting an attacker change the structure of the statement rather than just its values.

A working injection can read any table the database user can see, which on a WordPress install means user records, password hashes and session or API secrets stored in options. For Better Search the fix is 2.2.3: builds < 2.2.3 are affected, anything from 2.2.3 onward is not.

Remediation

Update to version 2.2.3, or a newer patched version

How does WordSec protect against this?

The attempt arrives as an ordinary request to Better Search: WordSec's web application firewall inspects request payloads before WordPress loads them. None of that substitutes for the fix: Better Search 2.2.3 closes this, and updating the plugin is the step that ends it.

  • Firewall
  • Alerts

External References

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/f6f91414-5035-4cab-81ad-18558fe43500

Related records

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