CVE-2025-28939

Remediation / Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-28939 - WP Google Calendar Manager SQL Injection

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-28939, a critical SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the WP Google Calendar Manager plugin.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • Vulnerability: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command (‘SQL Injection’)
  • Type: Blind SQL Injection
  • Affected Software: WP Google Calendar Manager
  • Affected Versions: All versions up to and including 2.1
  • Description: The WP Google Calendar Manager plugin is vulnerable to Blind SQL Injection. This means an attacker can inject arbitrary SQL code into database queries performed by the plugin. While the attacker might not receive direct feedback from the database, they can infer information and potentially manipulate the database by observing the application’s behavior based on the injected SQL. This can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 8.5 (High)
  • CVSS Vector: AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N (Based on the provided information. This can be refined with a more detailed CVSS calculation.)
  • Explanation: This vulnerability is rated as high severity because it allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to potentially gain complete control over the database. The impact is high for Confidentiality (C:H), Integrity (I:H), and there is no Availability (A:N) impact which lowers the overall score slightly. The Attack Vector is Network (AV:N), Attack Complexity is Low (AC:L), and no privileges (PR:N) or User Interaction (UI:N) is required.

3. Known Exploits:

  • While the provided information does not explicitly state a publicly available exploit, the nature of Blind SQL Injection means attackers can craft exploits with time and effort.
  • Assumption: Given the CVE has been assigned, it is likely that proof-of-concept exploits or vulnerability details are already circulating within the security community. Further investigation is crucial to identify specific exploit techniques targeting this vulnerability.
  • Exploit potential: An attacker could use this vulnerability to:
    • Extract sensitive data from the WordPress database, including user credentials, API keys, and other confidential information.
    • Modify or delete data within the database, potentially disrupting the website’s functionality or injecting malicious content.
    • Potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment.

4. Remediation Strategy:

  • Immediate Action (Critical):

    • Update the Plugin: Check for a patched version of the WP Google Calendar Manager plugin. The HIGHEST PRIORITY is to update to a version beyond 2.1. Apply the update immediately. If an update is not available, follow the Mitigation Strategy below.
    • Disable the Plugin (If No Update Available): If a patched version is not available from the plugin vendor, temporarily disable the WP Google Calendar Manager plugin. This will prevent exploitation of the vulnerability until a fix is released. Inform users of the website about the temporary service disruption.

  • Long-Term Actions:

    • Monitor for Updates: Continuously monitor the plugin developer’s website and WordPress.org for announcements of a security update to address this vulnerability.
    • Code Review (If Applicable): If you have access to the plugin’s source code (e.g., as a developer or part of a security audit), conduct a thorough code review to identify and remediate the SQL injection vulnerability. Focus on areas where user input is used to construct SQL queries.
    • Vulnerability Scanning: Implement regular vulnerability scanning of your WordPress website using a reputable security scanner. This can help identify other potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.

5. Mitigation Strategy (If Update is Not Immediately Available):

  • Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL Injection protection rules enabled. Configure the WAF to block requests that contain malicious SQL code patterns. Popular WAFs include:
    • Cloudflare
    • Sucuri
    • Wordfence
    • AWS WAF
  • Input Validation: Implement strict input validation on all user-supplied data that is used by the WP Google Calendar Manager plugin. Sanitize and escape all input before it is used in SQL queries. This is best implemented in the plugin’s code, but some WAFs allow for basic input validation.
  • Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that the database user account used by the WP Google Calendar Manager plugin has the least necessary privileges. Grant only the permissions required for the plugin to function correctly. Avoid granting the database user “root” or “administrator” privileges.
  • Monitor Database Activity: Enable database query logging to monitor for suspicious activity. Look for patterns that indicate SQL injection attempts. Tools like pt-query-digest or the equivalent for your database platform can help.
  • Rate Limiting: Implement rate limiting to prevent attackers from repeatedly attempting to exploit the vulnerability.

6. Verification:

  • Post-Update Verification: After applying the update (or implementing mitigation measures), thoroughly test the WP Google Calendar Manager plugin to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Specifically, test the areas that were vulnerable to SQL injection.
  • Penetration Testing: Consider conducting a penetration test of your WordPress website to verify the effectiveness of the remediation and mitigation measures. Engage a qualified security professional to perform the penetration test.

7. Reporting and Communication:

  • Internal Communication: Inform relevant stakeholders (e.g., website administrators, developers, security team) about the vulnerability and the remediation/mitigation strategy.
  • Vendor Reporting: If you identify further details about the vulnerability or potential exploits, consider reporting them to the plugin vendor to assist them in developing a more robust fix.

Important Notes:

  • Blind SQL Injection is complex: Mitigating blind SQL injection can be challenging. A layered defense approach, combining a WAF, input validation, and database security best practices, is the most effective strategy.
  • Regular Security Audits: Schedule regular security audits of your WordPress website to proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
  • Keep Software Up-to-Date: Always keep WordPress, plugins, and themes up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
  • Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest security threats and vulnerabilities affecting WordPress by subscribing to security advisories and blogs.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-26 14:24:26
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-26 15:16:18

More Details

CVE-2025-28939