CVE-2023-2188 : Security Advisory and Response

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-2188 focusing on the vulnerability found in Colibri Page Builder plugin for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-2188

CVE-2023-2188 points towards a SQL Injection vulnerability present in the Colibri Page Builder plugin, affecting versions up to and including 1.0.227. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with administrator-level privileges to manipulate SQL queries and potentially extract sensitive information from the database.

What is CVE-2023-2188?

The CVE-2023-2188 vulnerability in the Colibri Page Builder plugin for WordPress arises due to insufficient escaping on the 'post_id' parameter and a lack of adequate preparation on the existing SQL query. This oversight enables attackers to append extra SQL queries to existing ones, leading to a potential data breach.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2188

The impact of CVE-2023-2188 is classified as HIGH, with a base severity score of 7.2. This vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of database contents, and potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of user information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2188

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, the affected systems, and how the exploitation can occur.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Colibri Page Builder is categorized under CWE-89 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection'). Due to improper handling of user-supplied input and SQL queries, attackers can inject malicious SQL commands, leading to unauthorized access to the database.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Colibri Page Builder plugin versions up to and including 1.0.227. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation if not patched promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with administrator-level privileges can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the 'post_id' parameter to insert additional SQL queries. These queries, when executed, can extract sensitive information from the database.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the CVE-2023-2188 vulnerability, immediate action along with long-term security practices and updates are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or uninstall the affected Colibri Page Builder plugin if not in active use.
Implement strict access controls to limit user privileges and prevent unauthorized database access.
Regularly monitor and log database activities to detect any unusual queries.

Long-Term Security Practices

Stay informed about security vulnerabilities and updates related to plugins and themes used in WordPress.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Educate users and administrators on best practices for securing WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the Colibri Page Builder plugin is updated to a version beyond 1.0.227, where the SQL Injection vulnerability has been addressed. Regularly check for security updates and apply patches promptly to mitigate risks associated with known vulnerabilities.