CVE-2009-4748 in My Category Order
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in mycategoryorder.php in the My Category Order plugin 2.8 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the parentID parameter in an act_OrderCategories action to wp-admin/post-new.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4748 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the My Category Order plugin version 2.8 and earlier for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the mycategoryorder.php component and exposes the system to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation. The flaw occurs when the plugin processes the parentID parameter within the act_OrderCategories action, which is invoked through the wp-admin/post-new.php administrative endpoint. This presents a significant security risk as it allows unauthorized attackers to manipulate the underlying database through carefully crafted malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql queries. When an attacker submits a malicious parentID parameter through the act_OrderCategories action, the plugin directly incorporates this unvalidated input into database operations without adequate filtering mechanisms. This design flaw aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where user-controllable data is improperly handled within sql contexts. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it operates through the existing administrative interface that is accessible to authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation to encompass complete system compromise. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the WordPress database, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive information, modify or delete content, inject malicious code, or escalate privileges within the application environment. This vulnerability particularly affects wordpress installations using the My Category Order plugin, where attackers can leverage the administrative functionality to gain unauthorized access to database resources. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates through standard administrative pathways, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing for persistent access within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4748 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other components. The use of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to eliminate sql injection risks. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring administrative actions can help detect unauthorized exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity related to sql injection attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices, aligning with defensive strategies outlined in the mitre attack framework under techniques related to command and control communications and credential access.