CVE-2023-5674 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified in the WP Mail Log WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 1.1.3. The vulnerability allows for SQL injection, potentially exploitable by users with a Contributor role or higher.

Understanding CVE-2023-5674

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-5674 and understand its implications and impact.

What is CVE-2023-5674?

CVE-2023-5674 involves a SQL injection vulnerability present in the WP Mail Log WordPress plugin version 1.1.3 and earlier. Due to improper sanitization of user input, attackers can inject malicious SQL queries via the

wml_logs/send_mail

endpoint, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and manipulation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5674

The impact of CVE-2023-5674 is significant as it allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL queries, which can result in data theft, modification, or even complete loss. Users with a role as low as Contributor can exploit this vulnerability, posing a serious security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5674

This section will provide an insight into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-5674, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in WP Mail Log plugin version 1.1.3 and earlier arises from the lack of proper sanitization and escaping of user-supplied input before using it in SQL queries. This oversight enables attackers to craft malicious input that gets executed within the SQL context, leading to unauthorized database access and manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the WP Mail Log WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 1.1.3. Users utilizing versions less than 1.1.3 are at risk of exploitation through this SQL injection vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-5674 involves sending specially crafted input via the

wml_logs/send_mail

endpoint of the WP Mail Log plugin. By injecting malicious SQL queries, attackers can bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to the underlying database, compromising data integrity and confidentiality.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5674, immediate actions and long-term security measures need to be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WP Mail Log WordPress plugin to version 1.1.3 or later to patch the SQL injection vulnerability.
Limit user privileges to restrict access to sensitive functionalities and endpoints.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activity that may indicate attempted exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review code to identify and fix vulnerabilities such as improper input validation.
Educate users and administrators on secure coding practices and the importance of validating and sanitizing user input.
Employ web application firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers. Regularly check for new releases of the WP Mail Log plugin and promptly apply updates to ensure that known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2023-5674, are addressed effectively.