CVE-2010-4839 in Event Registration
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Event Registration plugin 5.32 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the event_id parameter in a register action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2025
The CVE-2010-4839 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Event Registration plugin version 5.32 and earlier for the WordPress content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input through the event_id parameter when processing register actions. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code that can be executed on the underlying database server, potentially compromising the entire wordpress installation and the data it contains. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's codebase, creating an attack surface where untrusted data flows directly into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql statements. When a user submits a registration request with an event_id parameter, the plugin processes this input directly within a sql query construction without adequate filtering or encoding. This pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector where the attacker can craft malicious input that alters the intended sql query structure, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. This type of vulnerability is categorized under cwe-89 in the common weakness enumeration system, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws that occur when user input is improperly handled within sql commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4839 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to the affected wordpress installation. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, where attackers can extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete event registrations and related data, potentially disrupting legitimate business operations. Additionally, the compromised system may serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as wordpress installations often share database credentials with other applications. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the mitre att&ck framework, particularly those related to credential access and persistence, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to maintain long-term access and potentially escalate privileges within the organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4839 should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 5.33 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the vulnerable parameter. Additionally, database access should be restricted to minimal required permissions, and all sql queries should be parameterized to prevent injection attacks. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom code. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include multiple layers of security controls. System administrators should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous sql execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. These measures align with industry best practices for sql injection prevention and help establish a robust security posture against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in legacy or unpatched systems.