CVE-2007-10003 in The Hackers Diet Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in The Hackers Diet Plugin up to 0.9.6b on WordPress. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file ajax_blurb.php of the component HTTP POST Request Handler. The manipulation of the argument user leads to sql injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. Upgrading to version 0.9.7b is able to address this issue. The patch is named 7dd8acf7cd8442609840037121074425d363b694. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-243803.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-10003 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Hackers Diet Plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to 0.9.6b. This vulnerability resides in the ajax_blurb.php file's HTTP POST Request Handler component, where improper input validation occurs during the processing of user-supplied data. The flaw manifests when the argument user is manipulated, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that can compromise the underlying database system. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its remote exploitation capability, meaning attackers do not require local system access to exploit the flaw. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from any location with internet access, potentially affecting numerous wordpress installations running the vulnerable plugin version.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the common patterns of sql injection attacks where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector specifically targets the HTTP POST Request Handler within the ajax_blurb.php file, indicating that the vulnerability occurs during the processing of asynchronous requests. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software security. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed through remote access, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise wordpress installations. The vulnerability's exploitation allows for unauthorized database access, potentially enabling data theft, modification, or complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the affected wordpress environment. Once successfully exploited, an attacker could gain access to user credentials, personal information, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not just the specific database but could also impact the overall integrity and availability of the wordpress site. Given that wordpress is one of the most widely used content management systems, the potential attack surface is extensive, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on wordpress platforms. The remote exploitability means that defenders cannot rely solely on network segmentation to prevent exploitation, as the attack can originate from anywhere on the internet.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 0.9.7b of the Hackers Diet Plugin, which contains the necessary patch to address the sql injection vulnerability. The specific patch identified by the hash 7dd8acf7cd8442609840037121074425d363b694 provides the necessary code modifications to properly sanitize user input before processing. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, web application firewalls, and regular security audits of installed plugins. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which represents the technique of exploiting applications accessible from the internet. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual database access patterns or sql injection attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping all wordpress plugins updated and following secure coding practices that prevent direct sql query construction from user input.