CVE-2008-1646 in wp-download
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in wp-download.php in the WP-Download 1.2 plugin for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the dl_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The CVE-2008-1646 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the wp-download plugin version 1.2 for wordpress platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the wp-download php script where the dl_id parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of user-supplied data, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability falls under the category of injection flaws as defined by cwe-89, which encompasses various forms of injection attacks including sql injection where attacker-controlled data is inserted into sql commands. The affected plugin version demonstrates poor security practices in data handling and query construction, allowing unauthorized access to backend database systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious input through the dl_id parameter in the wp-download.php script. When the plugin processes this parameter without proper sanitization, the sql query construction becomes vulnerable to manipulation. Attackers can craft specific input strings that alter the intended sql command structure, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can provide attackers with persistent access to the wordpress installation's database, enabling further exploitation and lateral movement within the compromised environment. This type of attack aligns with the attack technique described in the mitre att&ck framework under initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting the persistence and privilege escalation capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1646 poses significant risks to wordpress installations using the vulnerable plugin. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, data corruption, or complete database compromise, potentially leading to service disruption and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to perform malicious activities against the affected systems. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet without prior authentication. The attack surface expands when considering that many wordpress installations may have multiple plugins, creating additional vectors for exploitation and increasing the likelihood of successful compromise. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability type is commonly exploited in automated scanning campaigns, making vulnerable systems prime targets for mass exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1646 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.3 or later, which contains the necessary sql injection protection mechanisms. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when configuring database access for wordpress installations, limiting the database user's permissions to only those required for normal operation. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire application stack. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security monitoring systems to detect unauthorized database access patterns. These defensive measures align with security best practices outlined in various industry standards including the owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework, emphasizing the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing injection vulnerabilities.