CVE-2008-0191 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
WordPress 2.2.x and 2.3.x allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid p parameter in an rss2 action to the default URI, which reveals the full path and the SQL database structure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0191 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in WordPress versions 2.2.x and 2.3.x that exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically affects the rss2 action handler within WordPress's default URI structure, where an improperly handled p parameter creates an opportunity for attackers to extract privileged information. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the WordPress core codebase, particularly in how the system processes requests to generate rss2 feeds. When an attacker submits a malformed p parameter to the rss2 action, the system fails to properly sanitize the input, resulting in the exposure of the complete server path and underlying database schema structure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure flaws that allow unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from information repositories, specifically targeting database systems through application layer exploitation.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires minimal effort from an attacker who can simply craft a malicious request to the WordPress installation's default URI with an invalid p parameter value. The system's response to this malformed input reveals the full server path where WordPress is installed, along with the database structure including table names and column definitions. This information provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks, such as SQL injection attempts or privilege escalation exploits. The exposed database schema information includes table names, field types, and potentially column names, which significantly reduces the attack surface for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it provides attackers with the foundational knowledge needed to craft targeted database attacks against the WordPress installation.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0191 extends beyond immediate information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more serious security breaches within WordPress installations. Once attackers obtain the complete server path, they can potentially identify system configuration files, backup locations, and other sensitive directories that may contain additional credentials or configuration data. The database structure exposure enables attackers to understand the application's data model, which facilitates crafting of more effective SQL injection payloads and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the system. This vulnerability also impacts the security posture by reducing the effectiveness of defense-in-depth strategies, as the exposed information removes several layers of obscurity that typically protect against automated attacks. Organizations running affected WordPress versions face increased risk of compromise, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities that may exist in the broader application ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected WordPress installations to versions that address the input validation flaw in the rss2 action handler. System administrators should ensure that all WordPress installations are updated to the latest stable releases, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent versions through proper input sanitization and error handling mechanisms. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense by monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns and blocking requests that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits should include checks for outdated WordPress installations and other known vulnerabilities that may provide similar information disclosure opportunities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in web applications, as highlighted by CWE-20 and related security standards that emphasize the need for applications to properly handle malformed inputs and avoid exposing internal system information to unauthorized users. Organizations should implement automated patch management processes to ensure timely updates and reduce the window of exposure to known vulnerabilities.