A critical SQL Injection vulnerability (CVE-2024-8275) has been identified in The Events Calendar, a popular WordPress plugin with over 700,000 active installations. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on affected websites, potentially exposing sensitive data and compromising the integrity of the database. This vulnerability, which affects all versions of the plugin up to 6.6.4, has been addressed in version 6.6.4.1.
Vulnerability ID: CVE-2024-8275
Severity: Critical (CVSS 9.8)
Affected Software: The Events Calendar Plugin for WordPress
Patched Version: 6.6.4.1
Date of Discovery: September 25, 2024
Reported by: Security Researcher (Undisclosed)
Technical Details
The vulnerability resides within the tribe_has_next_event() function, which developers frequently use to customize event display on WordPress sites. This function’s order parameter lacks adequate input sanitization and allows unsanitized user input to be passed to the database. Consequently, an attacker can exploit this flaw to perform SQL injection attacks, potentially appending unauthorized SQL commands to access, modify, or delete sensitive data.
Key Aspects of Exploitation:
- Attack Vector: Network (Unauthenticated)
- Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: None
The SQL injection flaw enables attackers to leverage this vulnerability to obtain confidential information or alter the database, which may include extracting user credentials, modifying events, or even compromising user data integrity.
Impact Analysis
Successful exploitation of CVE-2024-8275 could lead to:
- Data Exposure: Unauthorized access to sensitive data, including user details, site configurations, and other stored information.
- Database Manipulation: Potential for attackers to alter or delete entries within the database, compromising site functionality and data integrity.
- Account Compromise: Possibility of privilege escalation if user credentials are extracted and misused.
Due to the plugin’s high installation base and the low complexity required to exploit the flaw, this vulnerability poses a substantial threat to affected WordPress sites.
Mitigation Recommendations
Immediate Actions:
- Update the Plugin: All users should upgrade to The Events Calendar version 6.6.4.1 or newer, which includes the necessary patch.
- Review Custom Code: Developers should check for any custom implementations of the tribe_has_next_event() function and verify compatibility with the latest plugin update.
Enhanced Security Recommendations:
- Database Security Hardening: Implement role-based access controls and ensure the database user has only the necessary permissions.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Use a WAF to detect and block SQL injection attempts from unauthorized sources.
Future Hardening:
- SQL Parameterization: Ensure all custom plugins and code follow secure coding practices, particularly parameterizing all SQL queries.
- Routine Plugin Audits: Regularly audit plugins for vulnerabilities, especially those with high user bases and extensive customizability.
Proof of Concept (PoC)
A proof of concept for CVE-2024-8275 demonstrates how appending unsanitized SQL to the order parameter in the tribe_has_next_event() function enables unauthorized database queries. Full PoC details are limited to prevent active exploitation.
References
- CVE Database Entry for CVE-2024-8275
- The Events Calendar Plugin Update Notes
Action Required: All users of The Events Calendar plugin should update to version 6.6.4.1 immediately to protect against SQL injection threats.
