SQL Injection in Xstore WordPress Theme

Executive Summary

The vulnerability exists in the XStore WordPress theme versions before 9.7.3. It is a SQL injection flaw caused by the theme not properly sanitizing and escaping a parameter used in a SQL query. This parameter is processed via an AJAX action that is accessible to unauthenticated users, meaning anyone can exploit it without logging in.

An attacker can inject malicious SQL code through this flaw, which can manipulate the database. A proof of concept showed that a crafted request could cause a delayed response by using a SQL SLEEP command, demonstrating control over the SQL query execution.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can have serious impacts because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database without authentication. This can lead to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or denial of service by causing delays or crashes.

Since the exploit requires the XStore theme, XStore Core Plugin, and WooCommerce Plugin to be installed, websites using this combination are at risk. The vulnerability is classified as high severity with a CVSS score of 8.6.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability can be detected by sending a crafted AJAX request to the vulnerable XStore theme that includes a SQL injection payload. A proof of concept involves sending a request that triggers a SQL SLEEP(5) command, causing a delayed response of around 11 seconds or more.

To detect the vulnerability, you can monitor for unusually delayed responses from AJAX endpoints related to the XStore theme or use tools like curl or wget to send the crafted request and observe the response time.

• Use curl to send a test request with a SQL injection payload and check for delayed response times.
• Example command: curl -i -X POST 'https://yourwordpresssite.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php' --data 'action=your_ajax_action&param=1%27%20OR%20SLEEP(5)%23'

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Mitigation Strategies

The immediate step to mitigate this vulnerability is to update the XStore WordPress theme to version 9.7.3 or later, where the issue has been fixed.

Ensure that the XStore Core Plugin and WooCommerce Plugin are also installed and updated as required, since the exploit depends on these components.

Additionally, consider restricting access to AJAX endpoints or implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious SQL injection attempts until the update can be applied.

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Compliance Impact

The vulnerability is a high severity SQL injection flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL code via an AJAX action in the XStore WordPress theme. Such vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of sensitive data stored in the database.

While the provided information does not explicitly mention compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA, SQL injection vulnerabilities generally pose a risk to data confidentiality and integrity, which are critical requirements under these regulations.

If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized data exposure or alteration, potentially resulting in non-compliance with data protection regulations that mandate safeguarding personal and sensitive information.

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