CVE-2008-1060 in Sniplets Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in modules/execute.php in the Sniplets 1.1.2 and 1.2.2 plugin for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the text parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The CVE-2008-1060 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw within the Sniplets plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 1.1.2 and 1.2.2 of the plugin, creating a dangerous attack vector that enables remote adversaries to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests through the modules/execute.php file which improperly handles user input, particularly the text parameter, without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical flaw stems from the plugin's failure to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before processing it within the PHP execution context. When an attacker submits malicious code through the text parameter, the vulnerable code executes this input directly without proper input validation or sanitization, creating a classic eval injection vulnerability. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and broader command injection patterns. The vulnerability exists because the plugin uses the eval() function or similar dynamic code execution mechanisms without proper input sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected WordPress installations. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary commands, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, modify website content, install backdoors, or even use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized access to systems that may host critical business or personal data. Additionally, the compromised system can be used to launch attacks against other systems, create botnets, or serve as a command and control server for further malicious activities. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected systems, potentially causing significant financial and reputational damage to organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1060 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the vulnerability, as the original affected versions are no longer supported. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious code injection, including the use of proper escaping functions and parameterized queries. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious activities and implement proper access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping all software components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent dynamic code execution with untrusted input, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth and principle of least privilege.