CVE-2007-0262 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
WordPress 2.0.6, and 2.1Alpha 3 (SVN:4662), does not properly verify that the m parameter value has the string data type, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid m[] parameter, as demonstrated by obtaining the path, and obtaining certain SQL information such as the table prefix.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0262 represents a critical type confusion issue within WordPress versions 2.0.6 and 2.1Alpha 3, specifically affecting the handling of the m parameter in the WordPress core code. This flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the data type of the m parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's parameter processing logic. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker submits an invalid m[] parameter that bypasses normal type checking procedures, allowing the application to process the parameter as if it were of a different type than intended.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper type validation that enables attackers to manipulate the m parameter in ways that reveal sensitive system information. When the system processes an incorrectly typed m parameter, it inadvertently exposes filesystem paths and database table prefixes through error messages or direct data leakage mechanisms. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-191, which describes integer underflow conditions, though the specific manifestation here involves type confusion rather than arithmetic overflow. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of inadequate parameter sanitization that allows attackers to probe the underlying system architecture and database structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The exposed filesystem paths can reveal the WordPress installation directory structure, while database table prefix information allows attackers to better understand the database schema and potentially craft more targeted SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through reconnaissance activities, and T1213, which addresses data from information repositories. The ability to obtain such sensitive information without authentication represents a significant security risk that compromises the confidentiality of the WordPress installation environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0262 require immediate implementation of proper input validation mechanisms that enforce strict type checking on all parameters, particularly those used in core system operations. Organizations should implement comprehensive parameter sanitization routines that validate data types before processing, ensuring that the m parameter is strictly validated as a string type. The recommended approach includes implementing input filtering that explicitly checks parameter types and rejects malformed inputs before they can be processed by the application. Additionally, system administrators should upgrade to patched versions of WordPress where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper type validation and parameter handling mechanisms. Regular security audits should include verification of input validation routines to prevent similar type confusion vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the application.