CVE-2011-4669 in Wordpress-users
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in wp-users.php in WordPress Users plugin 1.3 and possibly earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the uid parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-4669 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the WordPress Users plugin version 1.3 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability exists in the wp-users.php file and specifically affects the uid parameter handling within the index.php script. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands through the uid parameter, potentially compromising the entire wordpress installation and underlying database infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration cwes 89 and 20, representing sql injection vulnerabilities that occur when user input is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The flaw operates by accepting the uid parameter from the index.php script and directly incorporating it into database queries without adequate input validation or escaping mechanisms. This creates an environment where malicious actors can construct sql payloads that execute unintended database operations, potentially leading to data theft, modification, or complete system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risk to wordpress installations using the affected plugin version. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary sql commands on the database server, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the wordpress database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers may be able to escalate privileges, modify user accounts, or even gain shell access to the server through database exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible wordpress installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.4 or later, which contains the necessary sql injection fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and parameterized queries in their custom wordpress plugins to prevent similar issues. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection layers, while regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential sql injection vulnerabilities. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and script kiddies targeting wordpress installations. This vulnerability also relates to attack technique t1071.004 from the attack tactics and techniques framework, which describes application layer protocol manipulation involving sql injection attacks against web applications.