CVE-2024-32709: WP-Recall Plugin SQL Injection Flaw

CVE-2024-32709 Overview

Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Plechev Andrey WP-Recall. This issue affects WP-Recall from versions up to and including 16.26.5.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database, potentially leading to data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Affected Products

• WP-Recall (versions up to and including 16.26.5)

Discovery Timeline

• Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
• Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Not Available
• Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-32709 assigned
• Not Available - Not Available releases security patch
• 2024-04-24 - CVE CVE-2024-32709 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-32709

Vulnerability Analysis

The SQL Injection vulnerability is due to improper sanitization of user-supplied input in SQL queries. This can be exploited by injecting malicious SQL code into input fields that are directly used in database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate SQL commands and gain unauthorized access to the underlying data.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the failure to properly escape special characters used in SQL commands, which allows for unintended command execution on the database.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed over the network, where an attacker can send specially crafted requests to the application containing SQL payloads designed to manipulate database queries.

-- Example exploitation code (sanitized)
SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = 'admin' OR '1'='1';

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-32709

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual spikes in database queries
• Unauthorized data access logs
• Detection of SQL commands in input fields

Detection Strategies

Organizations should deploy web application firewalls (WAF) that inspect and block SQL anomalies. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) capable of recognizing known SQL injection patterns can also aid in detecting such attempts.

Monitoring Recommendations

Continuous monitoring of database query logs and audit trails can be instrumental in identifying potential SQL injection attacks. Regularly reviewing and correlating network activity can also provide early warning signs.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-32709

Immediate Actions Required

• Input validation: Ensure all inputs are sanitized and validated before executing SQL commands.
• Parameterized queries: Use prepared statements to separate SQL logic from input.
• Deploy WAFs to filter malicious SQL input patterns.

Patch Information

Ensure that all updates released by WP-Recall after version 16.26.5 are promptly installed. Monitor vendor advisories for upcoming patches.

Workarounds

Organizations can implement prepared statements and parameterized queries to completely separate the SQL logic from the input, significantly reducing the risk of SQL injection.

# Configuration example for disabling dangerous functions
php_flag sql.safe_mode On
php_value disable_functions "exec,shell_exec,system,passthru"