SQL Injection and Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability in Super Store Finder Plugin

Overview

CVE-2024–13440 is a recently disclosed security vulnerability affecting the Super Store Finder plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability, present in versions up to and including 7.0, allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit an SQL Injection (SQLi) flaw through the ssf_wp_user_name parameter. Due to improper escaping and inadequate input validation, attackers can manipulate SQL queries, potentially leading to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) in store reviews. This security flaw has been categorized under CWE-89 (SQL Injection) and has been assigned a CVSS severity score of 7.5, classifying it as a high-risk vulnerability.

Technical Details

The Super Store Finder plugin is a widely used WordPress extension that provides an interactive store locator for websites. However, a critical issue was identified in the way user input is handled within the SQL queries.

SQL Injection Mechanism

• The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the ssf_wp_user_name parameter. SQL Injection occurs when an attacker is able to append additional SQL commands into a legitimate query executed by the application. In this case, the parameter is not properly sanitized before being used in database queries, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands.
• A typical SQL injection attack exploits this flaw by inserting malicious SQL syntax to retrieve, modify, or delete data from the database. The impact depends on the database privileges assigned to the application. If an attacker successfully executes SQL queries, they can:
• Extract sensitive information such as user credentials, emails, and store details.
• Modify store reviews, ratings, or business information.
• Delete records or even drop tables, disrupting website functionality.

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Impact

Beyond SQL Injection, the vulnerability also enables stored XSS attacks. Since user inputs are improperly sanitized and stored in the database, malicious scripts can be injected into store reviews. When an administrator or visitor views the compromised store review, the injected script executes in their browser. This can lead to:

Session hijacking: Attackers can steal authentication cookies and gain unauthorized access to administrative accounts.

Phishing attacks: Malicious scripts can trick users into submitting sensitive information to attacker-controlled sites.

Website defacement: Malicious JavaScript can modify the appearance or behavior of the website.

Malware distribution: Attackers can inject scripts that redirect users to malicious websites or download malware onto their devices.

Severity and CVSS Score

• This vulnerability has been classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) as CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) has assigned it a severity score of 7.5 (High). The breakdown of the CVSS score is as follows:
• Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability can be exploited remotely.
• Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack does not require special conditions or complex steps.
• Privileges Required (PR): None (N) - Attackers do not need authentication to exploit the flaw.
• User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required for the attack to be successful.
• Scope (S): Unchanged (U) - The impact remains confined to the vulnerable application.
• Confidentiality ©: High (H) - Attackers can retrieve sensitive data from the database.
• Integrity (I): None (N) - The attack does not modify critical data.
• Availability (A): None (N) - The attack does not impact system availability.

Affected Versions

• The vulnerability affects all versions of the Super Store Finder plugin up to and including version 7.0. Any website using these versions is at risk and should take immediate action to mitigate potential threats.
• Mitigation and Patching
• Immediate Workarounds
• Until an official patch is released, users can take the following precautionary measures:
• Disable the Plugin: If the plugin is not critical to website functionality, disabling it prevents exploitation.
• Apply Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules: Security solutions such as Cloudflare, Sucuri, and Wordfence can block malicious SQL injection attempts.
• Restrict Database Permissions: Ensure that the database user associated with the plugin has limited privileges to prevent data extraction or modification.
• Regular Database Monitoring: Log database queries and monitor for suspicious activity.
• Manually Sanitize Inputs: Developers can add additional validation mechanisms to filter user inputs before they reach the database.

Official Patch

The developers of Super Store Finder have been notified of the issue, and users should check for security updates or patches addressing the vulnerability. Upgrading to the latest available version as soon as a fix is released is the most effective way to mitigate the risk.

Best Practices for WordPress Security

• Given the increasing number of vulnerabilities targeting WordPress plugins, website administrators should adopt proactive security measures:
• Keep Plugins and Themes Updated: Regularly update all installed plugins and themes to their latest versions.
• Use a Security Plugin: Deploy security plugins like Wordfence, iThemes Security, or Sucuri to detect and prevent exploits.
• Implement Input Validation and Sanitization: Developers should ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized using prepared statements and parameterized queries.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security for administrative access.
• Regularly Backup Website Data: Maintain frequent backups to quickly restore the site in case of a security breach.
• Monitor Website Activity: Use logging and monitoring tools to detect unauthorized changes and suspicious activity.

Conclusion

CVE-2024–13440 is a serious security vulnerability that poses a significant threat to WordPress websites using the Super Store Finder plugin. The combined risk of SQL Injection and stored XSS makes it a high-priority issue that requires immediate attention. Website administrators should disable vulnerable versions, apply available security measures, and update the plugin as soon as a patch is released. Implementing best security practices will help safeguard websites from future threats and minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities.