CVE-2025-28873

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-28873 - SQL Injection in NotFound Shuffle

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-28873, a Blind SQL Injection vulnerability found in the NotFound Shuffle plugin.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • Vulnerability: Blind SQL Injection
  • Affected Software: NotFound Shuffle plugin
  • Affected Versions: All versions up to and including 0.5
  • Description: The NotFound Shuffle plugin is vulnerable to Blind SQL Injection due to improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious SQL code, potentially allowing them to:
    • Extract sensitive data from the database.
    • Modify data within the database.
    • Potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying system (depending on database user privileges).

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 8.5 (High)
  • Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
  • Explanation: This is considered a high severity vulnerability due to the potential for significant impact:
    • Confidentiality Impact (High): Attackers can potentially access sensitive data stored in the database.
    • Integrity Impact (High): Attackers can potentially modify or delete data in the database.
    • Availability Impact (None): The attack doesn’t directly impact the availability of the system.
    • Attack Vector (Network): The vulnerability can be exploited remotely.
    • Attack Complexity (Low): The attack is relatively easy to execute.
    • Privileges Required (Low): An attacker with low privileges on the system can exploit this vulnerability.
    • User Interaction (None): No user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability.

3. Known Exploits:

  • While specific public exploits might not be available yet, the nature of Blind SQL Injection makes it relatively straightforward to exploit. Automated tools and manual techniques can be used to infer information about the database structure and extract data by observing the application’s response to injected SQL code.
  • Given the CVE assignment, it is likely that Proof-of-Concept (PoC) exploits will surface soon, increasing the risk of exploitation.

4. Remediation Strategy:

  • Primary Recommendation: Upgrade to a Patched Version: The most effective remediation is to upgrade the NotFound Shuffle plugin to a version that includes a fix for CVE-2025-28873. Check with the plugin developer (if known), or the CMS plugin repository (Wordpress plugin repository for example) for updates.

  • Code Review and Input Sanitization (If source code is available):

    • If you have access to the source code of the plugin, perform a thorough code review, specifically focusing on areas where user input is used in SQL queries.
    • Implement robust input sanitization and validation to prevent the injection of malicious SQL code. This includes:
      • Using Prepared Statements (Parameterized Queries): This is the preferred method. Prepared statements separate the SQL code from the data, preventing the interpretation of user-supplied data as code.
      • Input Validation: Ensure that all user-supplied data conforms to the expected format and data type. Reject any input that does not meet these criteria.
      • Escaping Special Characters: If prepared statements are not feasible, properly escape special characters that have meaning in SQL (e.g., single quotes, double quotes, backslashes). However, escaping alone is often insufficient and can be bypassed.
      • Least Privilege: Ensure the database user used by the plugin has the minimum necessary privileges required to perform its functions. Do not use a database user with administrative privileges.

5. Mitigation Strategy (If immediate patching is not possible):

If an immediate upgrade is not possible, consider these mitigation measures:

  • Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement a WAF with rules designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts. Configure the WAF to be as restrictive as possible without disrupting legitimate traffic. Keep the WAF rules updated.

  • Database Monitoring: Implement database activity monitoring to detect suspicious SQL queries or unusual database access patterns. Alert administrators immediately if any suspicious activity is detected.

  • Principle of Least Privilege (Database): Ensure that the database user account used by the application has only the minimum necessary permissions. Restrict access to sensitive data.

  • Network Segmentation: If possible, segment the database server from the rest of the network to limit the potential impact of a successful attack.

6. Testing and Verification:

  • After implementing any remediation or mitigation measures, thoroughly test the application to verify that the vulnerability has been addressed and that the application is functioning correctly.
  • Use vulnerability scanning tools to confirm that the vulnerability is no longer present.
  • Perform penetration testing to simulate real-world attack scenarios.

7. Timeline:

  • Immediate: Assess the impact of the vulnerability and determine if an upgrade or mitigation is required.
  • Within 24 hours: Implement mitigation measures if an upgrade is not immediately possible.
  • Within 72 hours: Upgrade to a patched version of the software.
  • Ongoing: Continuously monitor the application and database for suspicious activity and maintain a proactive security posture.

8. Reporting:

  • Document all steps taken to remediate or mitigate the vulnerability.
  • Report the vulnerability to the software vendor (if possible).
  • Share information about the vulnerability with relevant security communities.

Disclaimer: This remediation/mitigation strategy is based on the information provided and general security best practices. It is recommended to consult with security professionals and the software vendor for specific guidance on addressing this vulnerability in your environment.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-26 14:24:22
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-26 15:16:15

More Details

CVE-2025-28873