CVE-2008-0682 in wordspew
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in wordspew-rss.php in the Wordspew plugin before 3.72 for Wordpress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The CVE-2008-0682 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the wordspew-rss.php script of the Wordspew wordpress plugin version 3.71 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the id parameter which is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper input sanitization or parameterization. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the sql query execution by injecting malicious sql code through the id parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database. The vulnerability specifically affects wordpress installations that utilize the Wordspew plugin, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise wordpress sites. The issue stems from improper input validation and the absence of proper sql query escaping mechanisms within the plugin's rss generation functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious id parameter value that contains sql injection payloads. When the wordspew-rss.php script processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the unsanitized input into sql queries without any form of input filtering or parameter binding. This design flaw enables attackers to manipulate the intended sql query structure, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the database server. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector that operates at the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web interfaces without requiring direct system access. According to cwE-89 standards, this represents a direct sql injection vulnerability where user-controllable data is concatenated into sql commands without proper sanitization, creating an environment where malicious sql code can be executed with the privileges of the database user.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0682 extends beyond simple data theft, potentially enabling full database compromise and persistent access to wordpress installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, content management information, and other sensitive data stored within the wordpress database. The vulnerability can be exploited to escalate privileges, modify content, or even establish backdoors within the compromised wordpress environment. Given that many wordpress installations store sensitive information including user accounts, configuration settings, and content management data, the potential damage from such exploitation is substantial. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for wordpress administrators who may not be aware of the vulnerable plugin installation. This vulnerability also aligns with several att&ck techniques including t1071.004 for application layer protocol traffic, t1190 for exploit for vulnerable target, and t1005 for data from local system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0682 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 3.72 or later, which contain the necessary input sanitization fixes. System administrators should also implement proper input validation mechanisms, utilize parameterized queries, and apply web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that wordpress database accounts have minimal required privileges, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper monitoring and logging of sql queries, conducting regular security assessments of wordpress plugins, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all wordpress installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sql query construction in preventing sql injection attacks, serving as a reminder of the necessity for secure coding practices and regular security maintenance in content management systems. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify and remediate similar issues in other wordpress plugins and web applications.