CVE-2022-40402 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability identified in the Wedding Planner v1.0 application. The vulnerability exists in the booking parameter within the /admin/client_assign.php endpoint. SQL injection (CWE-89) occurs when untrusted input is improperly sanitized and directly included in SQL queries, allowing an attacker to manipulate the backend database. In this case, the booking parameter can be exploited by an authenticated user with at least low privileges (PR:L) to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8, indicating a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, modification, or deletion, as well as potential full compromise of the database and application. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning the attacker can exploit this remotely over the network. The scope is unchanged (S:U), so the impact is limited to the vulnerable component. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and no patches or vendor information are provided, which complicates mitigation efforts. The vulnerability was published on September 26, 2022, and is recognized by CISA as enriched intelligence, highlighting its significance.

For European organizations using Wedding Planner v1.0 or similar vulnerable applications, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. An attacker with low privileges could leverage the SQL injection to access sensitive customer data, including personal and booking information, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The integrity of booking records could be compromised, leading to operational disruptions and loss of trust. Availability could also be affected if the database is manipulated or corrupted. Given the administrative nature of the vulnerable endpoint, attackers might escalate privileges or pivot to other internal systems. This could be particularly damaging for event management companies, venues, or service providers relying on this software. The lack of available patches increases the risk of exploitation, especially if attackers develop public exploits. Organizations could face regulatory fines, reputational damage, and financial losses as a result.

Since no official patches or vendor guidance are available, European organizations should implement immediate compensating controls. These include: 1) Restricting access to the /admin/client_assign.php endpoint to trusted IP addresses or VPN users only, minimizing exposure. 2) Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the booking parameter. 3) Conducting thorough input validation and sanitization on the booking parameter if source code access is available, using parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent injection. 4) Monitoring database logs and application logs for suspicious queries or anomalies related to the booking parameter. 5) Enforcing the principle of least privilege for users accessing the admin interface to reduce the impact of compromised accounts. 6) Planning for an upgrade or replacement of the vulnerable software with a secure alternative. 7) Educating staff about the risks and signs of exploitation attempts. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice and address the specific characteristics of this vulnerability.