CVE-2023-48738: Porto Theme Functionality SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2023-48738 Overview

CVE-2023-48738 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the Porto Theme - Functionality plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries. This unauthenticated SQL injection flaw enables remote attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation without requiring any authentication.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability remotely to access, modify, or delete database contents, potentially leading to complete site compromise.

Affected Products

• Porto Theme - Functionality plugin versions prior to 2.12.1
• WordPress installations using vulnerable Porto Theme - Functionality plugin
• portotheme:functionality component for WordPress

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-12-19 - CVE-2023-48738 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-48738

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability (CWE-89) exists in the Porto Theme - Functionality plugin for WordPress. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to inject malicious SQL statements through user-controllable input fields that are not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, meaning any remote attacker can exploit it without needing valid credentials.

When exploited, attackers can bypass application security controls to directly interact with the underlying database, potentially extracting sensitive user information, modifying website content, escalating privileges, or establishing persistent backdoor access to the WordPress installation.

Root Cause

The vulnerability originates from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data before it is used in SQL queries. The Porto Theme - Functionality plugin fails to properly escape or parameterize user input, allowing specially crafted SQL syntax to be interpreted as part of the database query rather than as literal data values.

Attack Vector

The attack can be executed remotely over the network without any authentication requirements. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads targeting vulnerable input parameters in the plugin. Since no user interaction or special privileges are required, the attack surface is significant for any WordPress site running a vulnerable version of this plugin.

The exploitation typically involves techniques such as:

• Union-based SQL injection to extract data from other database tables
• Boolean-based blind SQL injection to infer database contents through true/false responses
• Time-based blind SQL injection using database delay functions
• Error-based SQL injection to extract information through error messages

For detailed technical information about the vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-48738

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database query patterns in web application logs containing SQL syntax characters such as ', ", --, /*, */, UNION, SELECT
• Unexpected database errors or verbose error messages appearing in application responses
• Unauthorized database modifications or new admin user accounts
• Web application firewall logs showing blocked SQL injection attempts targeting WordPress endpoints

Detection Strategies

• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules specifically designed to detect SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor WordPress database query logs for anomalous queries, particularly those containing union selects or subqueries
• Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) signatures for common SQL injection payload patterns
• Regularly audit WordPress user accounts and privileges for unauthorized additions or modifications

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for all database queries executed by WordPress and installed plugins
• Configure real-time alerting for detected SQL injection attempts or suspicious database activity
• Perform periodic database integrity checks to identify unauthorized modifications to critical tables
• Monitor network traffic for data exfiltration patterns that may indicate successful exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-48738

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Porto Theme - Functionality plugin to version 2.12.1 or later immediately
• Audit WordPress database for any signs of compromise or unauthorized modifications
• Review and rotate database credentials if exploitation is suspected
• Enable web application firewall protection with SQL injection prevention rules

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been addressed in Porto Theme - Functionality version 2.12.1. WordPress administrators should update the plugin through the WordPress admin dashboard or by manually downloading and installing the patched version from the official source. After updating, verify the plugin version to confirm the patch has been applied successfully.

For additional details about this vulnerability and the fix, see the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory.

Workarounds

• Temporarily disable the Porto Theme - Functionality plugin until the update can be applied
• Implement web application firewall rules to block SQL injection attempts targeting WordPress
• Restrict database user privileges to minimize impact if exploitation occurs
• Consider using a security plugin that provides virtual patching capabilities for known vulnerabilities

# Verify current Porto Theme - Functionality plugin version
wp plugin list --name=porto-functionality --fields=name,version

# Update the plugin to the patched version
wp plugin update porto-functionality

# Verify the update was successful
wp plugin list --name=porto-functionality --fields=name,version