CVE-2024-43144 Scanner

The Cost Calculator Builder plugin is a valuable tool widely used in WordPress environments for creating interactive calculators, which help businesses offer cost estimations directly on their websites. It allows users to construct custom calculators varying from budget estimations to complex financial calculations. The plug-in is popular among web developers and site administrators who want to offer dynamic and engaging content for their visitors. Businesses across various sectors, from construction to finance, implement the plugin to enhance user interaction and generate leads. Its user-friendly interface and extensive features make it a preferred choice for those looking to integrate calculation functionalities without extensive technical know-how. The plugin relies on AJAX-based operations to process and display the result of cost calculations efficiently.

The SQL Injection vulnerability identified in the Cost Calculator Builder plugin poses a severe risk by allowing unauthorized users to perform arbitrary SQL commands. This issue stems from improperly escaped user inputs, specifically in the area handling discount codes, where inputs are not sufficiently sanitized before being used in database queries. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they enable attackers to bypass authentication measures, access or alter sensitive database information, and potentially control the WordPress site itself. Moreover, such a flaw compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the database and, by extension, the entire site it supports. SQL Injection vulnerabilities often align with the highest security risks and require immediate attention and remediation.

The Cost Calculator Builder's vulnerability is notable for its lack of input validation, particularly within parameters handling discount codes submitted via WordPress's AJAX function. Attackers can manipulate these parameters to execute SQL payloads that expose confidential information or modify the database's contents. The vulnerable endpoint typically resides in the admin-ajax.php script, where unauthenticated users can craft malicious POST requests. The plugin fails to sanitize or prepare SQL queries to mitigate this risk properly, allowing for dangerous SQL operations such as data extraction, tampering, or even deletion. The discovery underscores the critical importance of rigorous input validation and query preparation in securing web-based applications.

Exploiting the SQL Injection vulnerability in the Cost Calculator Builder plugin can have devastating consequences. Attackers might gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as user details and internal business data, leading to identity theft or corporate espionage. There's also the risk of data manipulationaltering or corrupting stored information that crucial business processes rely on. Furthermore, attackers could use SQL Injection to implement persistent access or pivot to other areas of the network, escalating the breach's impact. Such exploits undermine public trust, as affected websites may fail to meet data protection standards and face legal repercussions or reputational damage.

REFERENCES

• https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/cost-calculator-builder/cost-calculator-builder-3215-unauthenticated-sql-injection
• https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/cost-calculator-builder/vulnerability/wordpress-cost-calculator-builder-plugin-3-2-15-sql-injection-vulnerability
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-43144