CVE-2023-5761
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in the Burst Statistics WordPress plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL queries via the 'url' parameter. Attackers can extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and other confidential information stored in WordPress. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of the Burst Statistics plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Burst Statistics - Privacy-Friendly Analytics for WordPress
📦 What is this software?
Burst Statistics by Burst Statistics
Burst Statistics by Burst Statistics
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, site takeover, and potential lateral movement to other systems.
Likely Case
Extraction of sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, and potentially administrative access to the WordPress site.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation, parameterized queries, and database user privilege restrictions in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection via URL parameter is straightforward to exploit with common SQL injection tools.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Free: 1.4.6.2+, Pro: 1.5.1+
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Burst Statistics plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the Burst Statistics plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate burst-statistics
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock SQL injection patterns targeting the 'url' parameter
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation for all URL parameters
- Deploy web application firewall with SQL injection protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin panel under Plugins > Installed PluginsCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=burst-statistics --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is Free 1.4.6.2+ or Pro 1.5.1+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple requests with SQL-like patterns in URL parameters
- Failed SQL syntax errors in application logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with SQL injection payloads in URL parameters
- Unusual database connection patterns from web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (url="*UNION*" OR url="*SELECT*" OR url="*INSERT*" OR url="*DELETE*" OR url="*UPDATE*")🔗 References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&old=2976467%40burst-statistics&new=2976467%40burst-statistics&sfp_email=&sfph_mail=
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/30f8419c-c7b9-4c68-a845-26c0308d76f3?source=cve
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&old=2976467%40burst-statistics&new=2976467%40burst-statistics&sfp_email=&sfph_mail=
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/30f8419c-c7b9-4c68-a845-26c0308d76f3?source=cve
