CVE-2023-49161 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed analysis of the SQL Injection vulnerability found in the Bravo Translate WordPress plugin affecting versions up to 1.2.

Understanding CVE-2023-49161

This article delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-49161, shedding light on the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-49161?

The CVE-2023-49161 refers to an 'Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in an SQL Command (SQL Injection)' vulnerability discovered in the Guelben Bravo Translate plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability affects versions ranging from n/a to 1.2.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49161

The vulnerability, assigned a CVSS base score of 7.6 (High Severity), allows a remote attacker to manipulate SQL queries leading to unauthorized access to the WordPress site's database. This could result in sensitive data exposure and potential website defacement.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49161

Here are the key technical details regarding the CVE-2023-49161 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The SQL Injection flaw in Bravo Translate plugin allows attackers to inject malicious SQL queries, exploiting improper input sanitization and potentially compromising the database.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts all instances of Bravo Translate plugin up to version 1.2, leaving them susceptible to SQL Injection attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

With a CVSS score indicating a High Severity level, the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network without requiring user interaction. Attackers with high privileges can exploit the flaw to gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your WordPress site against CVE-2023-49161 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Bravo Translate plugin to a secure version that addresses the SQL Injection vulnerability.
Implement web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to mitigate SQL Injection risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories for WordPress plugins and themes installed on your site.
Engage in security testing to proactively identify and remediate vulnerabilities before exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Always update your WordPress plugins and themes to the latest secure versions to prevent known vulnerabilities like SQL Injection.