CVE-2008-0491 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in fim_rss.php in the fGallery 2.4.1 plugin for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the album parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0491 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the fGallery 2.4.1 WordPress plugin, specifically affecting the fim_rss.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the album parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, which fails to properly escape or filter user-provided data before incorporating it into SQL command structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious SQL commands within the album parameter value, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive database information. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not employ prepared statements or proper input filtering techniques, making it susceptible to manipulation through crafted payloads that can bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary database operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations utilizing the affected fGallery plugin. Remote attackers can potentially extract confidential data including user credentials, personal information, and administrative details stored within the database. The exploitability of this vulnerability is relatively straightforward, requiring only HTTP request manipulation to achieve the desired SQL injection effect. This makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by automated tools and scripts, amplifying the potential for widespread compromise across multiple vulnerable installations.
The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise and persistence mechanisms. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify database contents, create new administrative user accounts, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data in database operations. The flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper data sanitization, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal application security controls through simple parameter manipulation.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the fGallery plugin to version 2.4.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Administrators should also implement proper input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database query parameterization, and regular security audits. The remediation process involves ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped or parameterized before database execution, implementing proper access controls, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all installed WordPress plugins. Additionally, monitoring database query logs for suspicious activities and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential compromises. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of defense in depth, combining multiple security controls to protect against similar vulnerabilities in other components of their WordPress installations.