CVE-2011-1047 in Forum Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in VastHTML Forum Server (aka ForumPress) plugin 1.6.1 and 1.6.5 for WordPress allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) search_max parameter in a search action to index.php, which is not properly handled by wpf.class.php, (2) id parameter in an editpost action to index.php, which is not properly handled by wpf-post.php, or (3) topic parameter to feed.php.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1047 represents a critical security flaw in the VastHTML Forum Server plugin for WordPress, affecting versions 1.6.1 and 1.6.5. This issue manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that collectively expose the affected web application to remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's core processing files, specifically wpf.class.php, wpf-post.php, and feed.php. These files fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries, creating exploitable entry points for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors that exploit the same underlying flaw in parameter handling. The first vector targets the search_max parameter within the search action of index.php, where the wpf.class.php file processes user input without proper sanitization. The second vector exploits the id parameter during editpost actions in index.php, with wpf-post.php failing to validate or escape this input before database operations. The third vector targets the topic parameter in feed.php, which similarly lacks proper input filtering mechanisms. All three vectors demonstrate the same fundamental weakness in the plugin's architecture where user-controllable data directly influences SQL query construction without adequate protection measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. This privilege escalation allows malicious actors to perform unauthorized database operations including data manipulation, unauthorized access to sensitive information, user account compromise, and potentially full system control. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the server, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the plugin is installed, potentially compromising multiple sites if the plugin is widely deployed.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of CWE-89 SQL Injection, which falls under the broader category of injection flaws in the CWE taxonomy. The attack pattern aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application technique, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest plugin versions, implementing input validation at multiple layers, and applying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the web application's database user account has minimal required privileges, following the principle of least privilege as recommended in cybersecurity best practices. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in preventing injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.