CVE-2025-27268

Remediation / Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-27268 - SQL Injection in Small Package Quotes – Worldwide Express Edition

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-27268, an SQL Injection vulnerability found in the Small Package Quotes – Worldwide Express Edition WordPress plugin.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • Vulnerability: SQL Injection
  • Affected Software: Small Package Quotes – Worldwide Express Edition WordPress plugin
  • Affected Versions: Versions up to and including 5.2.18
  • Description: The plugin is vulnerable to SQL Injection due to improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. This allows an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary SQL queries, leading to data breaches, data modification, and potentially complete control of the database.

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 9.3 (Critical)
  • Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
    • AV:N (Network): The vulnerability can be exploited over a network.
    • AC:L (Low): The attack requires little to no special access conditions.
    • PR:N (None): No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
    • UI:N (None): No user interaction is required to exploit the vulnerability.
    • S:U (Unchanged): The vulnerability affects only the component in which it is found.
    • C:H (High): Confidentiality impact is high, leading to sensitive data exposure.
    • I:H (High): Integrity impact is high, leading to data modification.
    • A:H (High): Availability impact is high, leading to denial of service or system compromise.
  • Severity Justification: The vulnerability is remotely exploitable, requires no authentication or user interaction, and can lead to complete system compromise, making it critical.

3. Known Exploit:

  • Exploit Availability: While specific exploit code isn’t provided in the vulnerability report, SQL Injection vulnerabilities are generally well-understood and relatively easy to exploit. Publicly available tools and techniques can be used to craft malicious SQL queries. Given the critical severity, it is HIGHLY likely exploits will become available and/or are already being used.

4. Remediation Strategy:

  • Immediate Action: Update the Plugin: The HIGHEST priority is to update the Small Package Quotes – Worldwide Express Edition plugin to the latest version. Check the plugin’s WordPress repository page or the developer’s website (enituretechnology) for an updated version that addresses CVE-2025-27268.
  • If Update is Unavailable:
    • Disable the Plugin: If an update is not available, immediately disable the plugin until a patched version is released. This will prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.
    • Consider Alternative Plugins: Research and evaluate alternative shipping quote plugins that offer similar functionality but have a better security track record.

5. Mitigation Strategy:

Even after applying the patch, consider these mitigation measures for defense in depth:

  • Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement a WAF (e.g., Cloudflare, Sucuri, Wordfence) with SQL injection rules enabled and kept up to date. The WAF can detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, adding a layer of protection.
  • Database Security Hardening:
    • Principle of Least Privilege: Review and restrict database user privileges. Ensure that the WordPress database user only has the necessary permissions to perform its functions.
    • Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of your WordPress installation and database to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
  • Input Validation: While the plugin developer should be responsible for proper input validation, it’s good practice to implement input validation on your website’s forms where possible. Ensure that all user inputs are validated and sanitized before being used in SQL queries.
  • WordPress Security Best Practices:
    • Keep WordPress Core Updated: Ensure that your WordPress core is always updated to the latest version.
    • Use Strong Passwords: Enforce the use of strong passwords for all WordPress users.
    • Limit Login Attempts: Implement a login attempt limiter plugin to prevent brute-force attacks.
    • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for all WordPress administrator accounts.
  • Monitor Logs: Monitor your web server and database logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual SQL queries or failed login attempts.

6. Rollback Plan:

  • Before Applying the Update: Create a full backup of your WordPress website, including the database and all files.
  • If Issues Arise After the Update: If the update causes compatibility issues or other problems, you can restore your website from the backup to revert to the previous state.

7. Communication Plan:

  • Internal Communication: Inform the relevant stakeholders (e.g., website administrators, developers, security team) about the vulnerability and the planned remediation steps.
  • External Communication (If Applicable): If the vulnerability has affected user data, consider informing your users about the potential risks and the steps you are taking to mitigate them. Consult with legal counsel before making any public announcements.

8. Post-Remediation Steps:

  • Vulnerability Scanning: After applying the patch and implementing the mitigation measures, perform a vulnerability scan to verify that the vulnerability has been successfully addressed.
  • Penetration Testing: Consider engaging a security professional to perform a penetration test of your WordPress website to identify any remaining vulnerabilities.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor your WordPress website for security threats and vulnerabilities.

By following this remediation and mitigation strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation of CVE-2025-27268 and protect your WordPress website and data. Remember to prioritize patching and regularly review your security posture.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-03 13:30:30
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-03 14:15:58

More Details

CVE-2025-27268