Blind SQL Injection in GD Rating System

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-57771 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the WordPress GD Rating System Plugin versions 3.7 and below. It allows attackers to perform Blind SQL Injection, which means they can send malicious SQL commands to the database without directly seeing the results. This can enable unauthorized interaction with the database.

The vulnerability is classified under the OWASP Top 10 category A3: Injection and has a CVSS score of 8.5, indicating a high severity level.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting SQL Injection vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-57771 in the GD Rating System plugin typically involves checking for unusual database queries or testing for injection points. Below are some methods and commands to help identify potential exploitation or vulnerable instances.

• Check web server logs for suspicious SQL-related input in HTTP requests, such as single quotes ('), SQL keywords (e.g., UNION, SELECT, INSERT), or encoded payloads. Example command to search Apache logs: grep -i "union\|select\|insert\|--\|/*" /var/log/apache2/access.log
• Use a web application vulnerability scanner like OWASP ZAP or sqlmap to test for SQL Injection vulnerabilities. Example sqlmap command: sqlmap -u "https://example.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=gd_rating_system&id=1" --batch --dbs
• Monitor database logs for unusual queries or errors that may indicate injection attempts. Example command for MySQL: grep -i "error\|warning" /var/log/mysql/error.log
• Verify the installed version of the GD Rating System plugin. If it is version 3.7 or below, the system is vulnerable. This can be checked via the WordPress admin dashboard under Plugins or by inspecting the plugin files directly.
• Look for unexpected database modifications or unauthorized data access by reviewing database records for anomalies. Example SQL query to check for recent changes: SELECT * FROM wp_gdsr_data ORDER BY date DESC LIMIT 10;

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow malicious actors to interact with your database, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information. Although it is described as having a low priority and low severity impact by Patchstack, the CVSS score of 8.5 suggests a significant risk.

The impact includes possible data theft and limited denial of service, as indicated by the CVSS vector (Confidentiality: High, Integrity: None, Availability: Low).

Immediate action is recommended, such as updating the plugin or consulting with a hosting provider or web developer to mitigate the risk.

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Compliance Impact

This SQL Injection vulnerability in the GD Rating System plugin can significantly impact compliance with standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

• GDPR: The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to database information, which may include personally identifiable information (PII). Under GDPR, organizations must protect PII from unauthorized access or disclosure. A breach resulting from this vulnerability could lead to non-compliance, triggering fines and mandatory breach notifications.
• HIPAA: If the affected system processes or stores protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive patient data. HIPAA requires strict safeguards for PHI, and exploitation of this vulnerability could result in violations, penalties, and reputational damage.
• Other standards: The vulnerability falls under OWASP Top 10 category A3: Injection, which is a critical security risk. Compliance frameworks like PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and NIST also require protection against injection attacks. Failure to address this vulnerability may result in non-compliance with these standards.

Organizations using the affected plugin should take immediate action to mitigate the risk, such as updating the plugin or implementing compensating controls, to maintain compliance with applicable regulations.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate action is recommended to mitigate this vulnerability.

• Update the GD Rating System plugin to a version above 3.7 if available.
• Seek assistance from your hosting provider or a web developer to apply necessary fixes or workarounds.

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