CVE-2023-32590 Scanner

The Subscribe to Category plugin is widely used in WordPress installations to manage and send notifications for new posts in specific categories. It is popular among bloggers and website owners who wish to keep their audience informed about updates in real-time. The plugin integrates seamlessly with WordPress, allowing users to customize notification settings for different user categories. Due to its utility in engagement strategies, it is installed in numerous WordPress environments and accessed by both novice and experienced users. The plugin's efficiency and user-friendly interface make it a preferred choice for many online platforms relying on regular content updates.

The SQL Injection vulnerability within the Subscribe to Category plugin arises from insufficient sanitization of special characters in SQL queries. This shortcoming allows attackers to manipulate SQL commands through crafted input, exploiting the application's database interactions. As a critical vulnerability, it poses significant risks by enabling unauthorized SQL command execution, which can lead to database alterations or unauthorized data access. Such vulnerabilities often stem from inadequate input validation practices, a common oversight in many applications with database connectivity. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability require user interaction to initiate the exploit, enhancing the risk factor.

Technically, this SQL Injection vulnerability in the Subscribe to Category plugin can be exploited by injecting malicious SQL statements into the application's input fields. These injections can manipulate database queries and extend unauthorized functions, leading to potential data breaches or modifications. The crucial vulnerable endpoint lies in the plugin's interaction with database commands where the user input is not securely sanitized. Malicious actors aim to exploit this weakness by crafting inputs that alter database operations, often undetected by the standard validation layers. The exploitation process typically requires the injection of SQL payloads to compromise data integrity, exposing sensitive information.

When exploited by malicious individuals, this vulnerability could lead to severe data breaches and manipulation within the affected systems. Attackers can retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive information from the database, causing operational disruptions and potential data loss. Furthermore, unauthorized access to database content might lead to the compromise of additional systems interconnected with the plugin. The exploitation may also result in reputational damage and regulatory repercussions for the platform hosting the vulnerable plugin. Organizations running the affected plugin versions are at risk of having their data integrity and confidentiality undermined, necessitating urgent remedial actions.

REFERENCES

• https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/subscribe-to-category/subscribe-to-category-274-unauthenticated-sql-injection
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-32590