CVE-2011-4671 in adrotate
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in adrotate/adrotate-out.php in the AdRotate plugin 3.6.6, and other versions before 3.6.8, for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the track parameter (aka redirect URL).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The CVE-2011-4671 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the AdRotate WordPress plugin ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.6.8. This vulnerability resides in the adrotate-out.php file and demonstrates a classic input validation failure that enables malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted user input. The vulnerability specifically targets the track parameter, which serves as a redirect URL mechanism within the plugin's functionality, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit the system's trust in user-provided data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape the track parameter before incorporating it into sql queries. This omission creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the database context, potentially allowing full database access and manipulation. The flaw operates under CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the compromised wordpress environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4671 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the advertisement tracking system itself. This could lead to unauthorized redirection of traffic, manipulation of advertising metrics, or even the complete compromise of the wordpress installation through database-level attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving sql injection and privilege escalation, potentially enabling adversaries to move laterally within the compromised system.
Organizations using affected versions of the AdRotate plugin face significant security risks as this vulnerability can be exploited through simple web requests without requiring advanced technical skills. The attack surface is broad since the plugin is widely used across wordpress installations, making it a target of opportunity for automated scanning tools. Remediation efforts should prioritize immediate patching to version 3.6.8 or later, which incorporates proper input sanitization and parameter validation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide temporary protection while patches are deployed. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual sql query patterns and unauthorized access attempts to database resources, as these activities often precede successful exploitation of sql injection vulnerabilities.