CVE-2022-3720 is a high-severity SQL Injection vulnerability identified in the Event Monster WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.2.0. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly validate and escape certain input parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries. This improper handling allows an attacker with high privilege user access to inject malicious SQL code. Exploiting this flaw could lead to unauthorized disclosure, modification, or deletion of sensitive data within the WordPress database, as well as potential disruption of service. The vulnerability requires no user interaction but does require the attacker to have high privilege credentials, such as an administrator or editor role within the WordPress environment. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 reflects the network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk if leveraged by malicious insiders or through compromised privileged accounts. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting further elevates the urgency for mitigation.

For European organizations using WordPress with the Event Monster plugin, this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences including data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, unauthorized changes to event-related content, and potential service outages. Given the high privileges required, the threat is more likely to stem from insider threats or attackers who have already compromised privileged accounts. Exploitation could result in exposure of sensitive customer or business information, undermining trust and potentially leading to regulatory penalties. Additionally, disruption of event management functions could impact business operations, especially for organizations relying on these plugins for critical scheduling or public-facing event information. The impact is amplified in sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and public administration prevalent across Europe.

Organizations should immediately verify if the Event Monster plugin is installed and identify the version in use. If the plugin version is prior to 1.2.0, it is critical to upgrade to the latest patched version once available. Until a patch is released, restrict high privilege user access to trusted personnel only and monitor for unusual database queries or administrative actions. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the plugin’s endpoints. Conduct regular audits of user privileges to minimize the number of high privilege accounts. Additionally, enable detailed logging and alerting on database errors and suspicious activities related to the plugin. Employ database-level protections such as parameterized queries or stored procedures where possible, and ensure backups are current to enable recovery in case of data compromise.