CVE-2023-1016 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This is a detailed analysis of CVE-2023-1016, a SQL Injection vulnerability found in the Intuitive Custom Post Order plugin for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-1016

This CVE identifies a security issue in the Intuitive Custom Post Order plugin for WordPress that can potentially lead to SQL Injection attacks.

What is CVE-2023-1016?

The Intuitive Custom Post Order plugin for WordPress is susceptible to SQL Injection in versions up to and including 3.1.3. The vulnerability arises from insufficient escaping on the user-supplied 'objects' and 'tags' parameters, as well as inadequate preparation in the 'update_options' and 'refresh' functions. This allows authenticated attackers with administrator permissions to insert additional SQL queries into existing queries, potentially extracting sensitive information from the database. Successful exploitation is viable in configurations where it is feasible to bypass addslashes due to the database using a nonstandard character set like GBK.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1016

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity, with a CVSSv3.1 base score of 6.6. Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential data breaches for websites using the affected plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1016

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on user-supplied parameters, making it possible for attackers to inject malicious SQL queries into the database.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE affects versions of the Intuitive Custom Post Order plugin up to and including 3.1.3. Websites utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the 'objects' and 'tags' parameters, authenticated attackers with administrator privileges can craft SQL injection payloads to extract sensitive data from the database.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial for users to take immediate action to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-1016.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to the latest version of the Intuitive Custom Post Order plugin, which contains patches to address the SQL Injection vulnerability.
If an immediate update is not feasible, consider disabling the plugin until a patch can be applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, including input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data, to prevent SQL Injection vulnerabilities in custom plugins and themes.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates and security patches for all plugins and themes installed on your WordPress website to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed promptly and effectively.