CVE-2005-2108 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in XMLRPC server in WordPress 1.5.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via input that is not filtered in the HTTP_RAW_POST_DATA variable, which stores the data in an XML file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2108 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the XMLRPC server component of WordPress versions 1.5.1.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the handling of raw HTTP POST data, specifically within the HTTP_RAW_POST_DATA variable that processes incoming XML requests. The flaw occurs because the XMLRPC server fails to properly sanitize or filter input data before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer.
The technical execution of this vulnerability leverages the insecure processing of XMLRPC requests where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into database queries without adequate validation or sanitization. When WordPress receives an XMLRPC request through the HTTP_RAW_POST_DATA variable, it stores this data in an XML file format and subsequently processes it within SQL operations. Attackers can craft malicious XMLRPC requests containing SQL injection payloads that exploit this lack of input filtering, allowing them to manipulate the underlying database through crafted XML data structures.
This vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of WordPress installations by enabling remote code execution through database manipulation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete content, inject malicious code, or potentially escalate privileges within the system. The remote nature of this attack means that malicious actors do not require local system access or authentication credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2108 extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially allow full system takeover through database manipulation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how insecure data handling in web applications can lead to severe security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to leverage publicly exposed XMLRPC endpoints to gain unauthorized access to database resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected WordPress installations to versions that properly sanitize XMLRPC input data. System administrators should disable XMLRPC functionality if it is not required for their specific use cases, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security audits of XMLRPC endpoints can help prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider network-level restrictions to limit access to XMLRPC endpoints and implement database query monitoring to detect suspicious SQL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.