CVE-2011-4646 in wp-postratings
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in wp-postratings.php in the WP-PostRatings plugin 1.50, 1.61, and probably other versions before 1.62 for WordPress allows remote authenticated users with the Author role to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id attribute of the ratings shortcode when creating a post. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2021
The CVE-2011-4646 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the wp-postratings.php component of the WP-PostRatings WordPress plugin. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 1.50 and 1.61, with potential impacts extending to other preceding versions until the security patch released in version 1.62. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of the ratings shortcode functionality, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that significantly undermines the security posture of affected WordPress installations. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's shortcode processing mechanism. When an authenticated user with the Author role creates a post containing the ratings shortcode, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the id attribute parameter before incorporating it into sql queries. This improper handling allows attackers to inject malicious sql commands through the id parameter, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only minimal privileges, as the Author role typically has sufficient permissions to create posts and insert shortcodes, making the attack surface particularly concerning for WordPress environments where multiple authors exist.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4646 extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database. This capability enables comprehensive database compromise including but not limited to data exfiltration, unauthorized user account creation, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed wordpress plugins means that affected organizations face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to databases containing user credentials, content management data, and other sensitive information typically stored within wordpress environments.
Security mitigation for CVE-2011-4646 requires immediate patching of the WP-PostRatings plugin to version 1.62 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and parameter validation for the affected shortcode functionality. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular plugin auditing, monitoring for unauthorized plugin installations, and maintaining updated security configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Network monitoring should focus on unusual database query patterns and potential sql injection attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only necessary privileges are granted to user roles. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.