CVE-2025-2319

CVE-2025-2319: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in EZ SQL Reports Shortcode Widget and DB Backup Plugin

Description:

CVE-2025-2319 identifies a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in the EZ SQL Reports Shortcode Widget and DB Backup plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions 4.11.13 through 5.25.08. The vulnerability exists due to missing or inadequate nonce validation within the ELISQLREPORTS_menu function. This allows an attacker to forge requests that, when a logged-in administrator clicks on a malicious link or performs a certain action, can execute arbitrary code on the server. Version 5.25.10 implements a nonce check, changing the vulnerability to be exploitable only by administrators.

Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
  • Vector: AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

This signifies a high risk due to the ease of exploitation and significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Known Exploit:

The vulnerability can be exploited if an attacker can successfully trick a logged-in WordPress administrator into performing an action, such as clicking a specially crafted link. This link would trigger a malicious request to the ELISQLREPORTS_menu function, potentially allowing the attacker to:

  • Execute arbitrary SQL queries.
  • Modify plugin settings.
  • Potentially upload malicious files or execute code on the server.
  • Manipulate or exfiltrate database content.

Remediation / Mitigation Strategy:

The primary remediation is to upgrade the EZ SQL Reports Shortcode Widget and DB Backup plugin to version 5.25.10 or later. This version includes a nonce check on the vulnerable function, mitigating the risk of unauthorized actions via CSRF (albeit, only from non-administrator users).

Detailed Steps:

  1. Immediate Action: Upgrade the Plugin:

    • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
    • Navigate to Plugins -> Installed Plugins.
    • Locate the “EZ SQL Reports Shortcode Widget and DB Backup” plugin.
    • Click the Update Now button to upgrade to version 5.25.10 or higher. If an update is not available, ensure you are using a supported version of WordPress and that your update mechanism is working correctly.

  2. Verify Successful Update:

    • After the update, verify that the plugin version displayed in the “Installed Plugins” list is 5.25.10 or later.

  3. If Upgrade is Not Possible (Temporary Mitigation):

    • If upgrading is not immediately feasible due to compatibility issues or other constraints, consider temporarily deactivating the plugin until a safe version can be installed. This will prevent the vulnerability from being exploited.
    • Monitor plugin updates closely and upgrade as soon as a compatible and patched version is available.
    • Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the ELISQLREPORTS_menu function. Specific rule implementations will vary depending on the WAF being used. Example: Look for unusual parameters passed to the AJAX endpoints associated with the plugin, or HTTP Referer checks.

  4. Security Hardening Best Practices:

    • Educate Administrators: Inform WordPress administrators about the dangers of clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites while logged in to the WordPress dashboard. Phishing Awareness Training is highly recommended.
    • Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of your WordPress installation and all installed plugins and themes.
    • Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Enforce strong passwords for all user accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to further protect against account compromise.
    • Limit User Permissions: Grant users the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks. Avoid assigning administrator privileges unless absolutely necessary.
    • Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP): CSP can help mitigate CSRF attacks by restricting the sources from which resources can be loaded.

  5. Log Analysis:

    • Review server logs and WordPress logs for any suspicious activity related to the EZ SQL Reports Shortcode Widget and DB Backup plugin, especially POST requests targeting AJAX endpoints associated with the plugin. Look for unusual parameters or patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.

Rationale:

Upgrading to version 5.25.10 or later is the most effective way to address this vulnerability as it implements the necessary nonce validation to prevent CSRF attacks. If immediate upgrading isn’t possible, deactivating the plugin is a viable, albeit temporary, solution. The additional security hardening steps are recommended best practices for maintaining a secure WordPress environment. Monitoring logs can help identify and respond to any potential exploitation attempts. While version 5.25.10 makes the vulnerability exploitable only by administrator accounts, reducing the overall risk profile it’s still highly advised to follow steps to secure administrator accounts (2FA and complex password policies).

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-25 08:22:17
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-25 09:15:16

More Details

CVE-2025-2319