CVE-2005-2612 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Direct code injection vulnerability in WordPress 1.5.1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the cache_lastpostdate[server] cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2612 represents a critical direct code injection flaw discovered in WordPress versions 1.5.1.3 and earlier, specifically targeting the caching mechanism within the application. This vulnerability resides in the way WordPress processes the cache_lastpostdate[server] cookie parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that allows malicious data to be interpreted as executable code rather than mere data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the cache_lastpostdate[server] cookie value, which WordPress fails to properly sanitize before using in its caching operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious cookie value containing PHP code, the vulnerable WordPress installation processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization, leading to code execution at the server level. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and broader code injection categories. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as attackers can leverage this primitive to establish persistent access or escalate privileges.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for WordPress installations running the affected versions, as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or specific user interaction. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain complete control over the web server hosting the vulnerable WordPress instance, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability's remote nature makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet, and the lack of authentication requirements means that any user can potentially leverage this flaw. Organizations running WordPress 1.5.1.3 or earlier versions face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system takeover and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade to WordPress versions 1.5.1.4 or later, which contain patches addressing the code injection flaw in the caching mechanism. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications, adhering to secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security controls. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though the most effective solution remains the immediate patching of the vulnerable WordPress installation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar code injection vulnerabilities in other applications, as this flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor input handling issues can lead to catastrophic security breaches. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious cookie values and anomalous server behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.