CVE-2007-4154 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in options.php in WordPress 2.2.1 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the page_options parameter to (1) options-general.php, (2) options-writing.php, (3) options-reading.php, (4) options-discussion.php, (5) options-privacy.php, (6) options-permalink.php, (7) options-misc.php, and possibly other unspecified components.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4154 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within WordPress version 2.2.1 that specifically targets authenticated administrator users. This vulnerability resides in the options.php file and exploits the page_options parameter across multiple administrative interfaces including general settings, writing preferences, reading options, discussion settings, privacy controls, permalink configurations, and miscellaneous options. The flaw allows attackers with administrative credentials to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into database queries through input validation gaps. The attack vector requires an authenticated user with administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate access rights to escalate privileges and execute unauthorized database operations. The affected components span across WordPress's core administrative interfaces, indicating a systemic flaw in parameter handling rather than isolated code issues. The vulnerability affects not just the specific files mentioned but potentially other unspecified components, suggesting a broader architectural weakness in how WordPress processes administrative options.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, modify user credentials, and potentially gain persistent access to the system. An attacker could use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create new administrative accounts, modify existing user permissions, or even delete critical database entries. The fact that this affects multiple administrative interfaces means that an attacker could compromise various aspects of the WordPress installation, from content management to user authentication. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which involves network service scanning, as attackers would need to identify and exploit these authenticated interfaces to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4154 primarily involve immediate patching of WordPress installations to versions that address this specific SQL injection vulnerability. System administrators should ensure all WordPress installations are updated to the latest stable versions, as this vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases. Input validation and parameter sanitization should be implemented at multiple layers, including application-level filtering of user inputs and proper use of prepared statements or parameterized queries. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit administrative access to only necessary personnel, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, implementing database query logging and monitoring can help detect anomalous SQL activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping content management systems updated and maintaining robust input validation practices throughout the application stack.