CVE-2011-4673 in Jetpack
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in modules/sharedaddy.php in the Jetpack plugin for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The CVE-2011-4673 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the jetpack plugin for wordpress platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the modules/sharedaddy.php file which serves as a sharing module component. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly affecting the id parameter that is processed without proper security controls. The jetpack plugin is widely used across wordpress installations for various functionalities including social sharing capabilities, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it affects a large number of wordpress sites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the id parameter within the sharedaddy module. When an attacker submits malicious sql code through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where arbitrary sql commands can be executed on the underlying database. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a critical security flaw in application security. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4673 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential full database compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can execute commands that may lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The sharedaddy module is commonly used for social sharing features, making it a frequent target for exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects wordpress installations that have jetpack plugin version 1.2.3 or earlier, where the security patches were not yet implemented. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to a wide range of threat actors from script kiddies to sophisticated attackers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the jetpack plugin to version 1.2.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement input validation controls and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should follow the mitre attack framework by focusing on prevention and detection capabilities, particularly around credential access and execution phases. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar sql injection vulnerabilities across all web applications. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary features and ensuring proper access controls are in place to limit potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts.