CVE-2025-30783

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2025-30783: SQL Injection via CSRF in WP Google Review Slider

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-30783, a vulnerability affecting the WP Google Review Slider plugin.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • Vulnerability: SQL Injection via Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
  • Plugin Affected: WP Google Review Slider
  • Versions Affected: All versions up to and including 16.0
  • Description: The WP Google Review Slider plugin contains a vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject SQL code into database queries. This vulnerability is exploitable because of a missing or insufficient CSRF protection. An attacker can trick a logged-in administrator into performing an action that executes malicious SQL code.

2. Severity Assessment:

  • CVSS Score: 8.2 (High)
  • CVSS Vector: AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H (Network, High Attack Complexity, No Privileges Required, User Interaction Required, Unchanged Scope, High Confidentiality Impact, High Integrity Impact, High Availability Impact)
  • Explanation:
    • The vulnerability allows for remote exploitation (AV:N).
    • Exploitation requires user interaction (UI:R), making it slightly more complex (AC:H), as the attacker needs to trick an administrator.
    • Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress database, allowing the attacker to:
      • Access sensitive data (C:H)
      • Modify website content (I:H)
      • Deny service to legitimate users (A:H)

3. Known Exploit Information:

While specific exploit code may not be publicly available at the time of this document’s creation, the nature of CSRF + SQL Injection vulnerabilities implies the following exploit vectors are possible:

  • CSRF Payload: An attacker would craft a malicious HTML page containing a form that, when submitted, sends a forged request to the WordPress site. This request would target an endpoint within the WP Google Review Slider plugin that is vulnerable to SQL Injection.
  • SQL Injection Payload: The crafted request would include SQL code injected into a parameter (e.g., in a POST request) that the plugin does not properly sanitize or validate. This injected SQL code could then be executed against the WordPress database.
  • Exploit Scenario: The attacker could send a phishing email to an administrator of the WordPress site, tricking them into clicking a malicious link that leads to the attacker’s crafted HTML page. When the administrator visits this page, the malicious form is automatically submitted in the background, triggering the SQL Injection vulnerability.

4. Remediation Strategy:

The primary solution is to update the WP Google Review Slider plugin to a version that addresses this vulnerability.

  • Step 1: Update the Plugin:

    • The most effective solution is to update the WP Google Review Slider plugin to the latest version released by the plugin developer. This version should contain a fix for the SQL Injection and CSRF vulnerabilities. Check the WordPress plugin repository or the plugin developer’s website for updates.
    • If an update is not yet available, contact the plugin developer and request a patch.

  • Step 2: Implement Temporary Mitigations (If an update is unavailable):

    If an update is not immediately available, implement the following mitigations to reduce the risk of exploitation:

    • Disable the Plugin: Completely disable the WP Google Review Slider plugin until a patched version is available. This will prevent the vulnerability from being exploited, but will also remove the plugin’s functionality. This is the most secure option if functionality is not critical.

    • Implement CSRF Protection (Advanced): This requires code modification and should only be attempted by experienced developers. Implement CSRF protection measures, such as:

      • Synchronizer Token Pattern: Generate a unique, unpredictable token for each user session and include it in all forms. Verify the token on the server side before processing the request.
      • Double Submit Cookie Pattern: Set a cookie with a random value and include the same value as a hidden field in the form. On the server side, verify that the cookie value matches the hidden field value.

    • Implement Input Validation and Sanitization (Advanced): This also requires code modification. Thoroughly validate and sanitize all user input received by the plugin, especially parameters used in database queries. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL Injection.

    • Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules: Configure a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block potentially malicious requests that exploit SQL Injection vulnerabilities. WAFs can often identify and block SQL injection attempts based on patterns in the request data. This requires identifying patterns relevant to the specific injection point.

  • Step 3: Monitoring and Logging:

    • Enable detailed logging on the WordPress server to monitor for suspicious activity.
    • Regularly review the logs for any signs of SQL Injection attempts, such as errors related to database queries or unusual patterns in user input.

  • Step 4: User Awareness:

    • Educate WordPress administrators and users about the risks of CSRF attacks.
    • Advise users to be cautious about clicking links or opening attachments from untrusted sources.

5. Mitigation Rollback:

  • If the temporary mitigations (like disabling the plugin) negatively impact site functionality, they can be rolled back after a patched version of the plugin is installed.

6. Reporting:

  • If you suspect an active exploitation of this vulnerability, report it to the appropriate security agencies and to the plugin developer.

Important Considerations:

  • Prioritize Updating: Updating the plugin is always the most effective solution. The temporary mitigations are only intended as a short-term solution until a patch is available.
  • Code Modification Risks: Modifying plugin code can introduce new vulnerabilities if not done carefully. Only experienced developers should attempt these mitigations.
  • Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of your WordPress site and all installed plugins to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-27 11:15:39
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-27 16:45:28

More Details

CVE-2025-30783