CVE-2011-4898 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** wp-admin/setup-config.php in the installation component in WordPress 3.3.1 and earlier generates different error messages for requests lacking a dbname parameter depending on whether the MySQL credentials are valid, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct brute-force attacks via a series of requests with different uname and pwd parameters. NOTE: the vendor disputes the significance of this issue; also, it is unclear whether providing intentionally vague error messages during installation would be reasonable from a usability perspective.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4898 resides within the WordPress installation component, specifically in the wp-admin/setup-config.php file. This issue affects WordPress versions 3.3.1 and earlier, where the installation process exhibits inconsistent error messaging behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw manifests when attempting to access the installation script without providing a database name parameter, creating a scenario where the system's response varies based on the validity of MySQL credentials. This inconsistent behavior creates a predictable pattern that adversaries can leverage for automated attack vectors.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability stems from improper error handling mechanisms during the WordPress installation process. When a user attempts to configure WordPress without specifying a database name, the system's response differs depending on whether the provided MySQL username and password are valid or invalid. Valid credentials trigger one type of error message while invalid credentials produce different messaging, creating a side-channel information leak that reveals credential validity without requiring successful authentication. This behavior directly relates to CWE-209, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it enables sophisticated brute-force attacks against WordPress installations. Attackers can systematically test various username and password combinations while monitoring the system's response patterns to determine which credentials are valid, significantly reducing the complexity of credential guessing attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automated attack scenarios where bots can rapidly iterate through potential credential combinations, exploiting the predictable error responses to identify valid database credentials. This makes the vulnerability especially concerning for systems with weak password policies or those that rely on default credentials.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader installation security practices and the principle of least privilege. The issue highlights the importance of consistent error handling during system setup processes, where information leakage can occur even before the application is fully operational. Organizations should implement robust authentication mechanisms and consider disabling installation scripts after initial setup to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities. The vendor's disputed stance on this issue does not diminish its potential impact, particularly in environments where WordPress installations are exposed to untrusted networks or where automated attack vectors are prevalent. Proper mitigation requires not only code-level fixes but also operational security measures such as network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious installation activity patterns.