Vulnerability identifier: #VU59290

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.2 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-21661

CWE-ID: CWE-89

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
WordPress
Web applications / CMS

Vendor: WordPress.ORG

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL queries in database.

The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data in WP_Query. A remote attacker can send a specially crafted request to the affected application and execute arbitrary SQL commands within the application database.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to read, delete, modify data in database and gain complete control over the affected application.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

WordPress: 5.4 - 5.4.8, 5.3 - 5.3.10, 5.2 - 5.2.13, 5.8 - 5.8.2, 5.7 - 5.7.4, 5.6 - 5.6.6, 5.5 - 5.5.7, 5.1 - 5.1.11, 5.0 - 5.0.14, 4.9 - 4.9.18, 4.8 - 4.8.17, 4.7 - 4.7.21, 4.6 - 4.6.21, 4.5 - 4.5.24, 4.4 - 4.4.25, 4.3 - 4.3.26, 4.2 - 4.2.30, 4.1 - 4.1.33, 4.0 - 4.0.33, 3.9 - 3.9.34, 3.8 - 3.8.36, 3.7 - 3.7.36

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External links
http://wordpress.org/news/2022/01/wordpress-5-8-3-security-release/
http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-020/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.