CVE-2011-5224 in Sentinel
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Sentinel plugin 1.0.0 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2019
The CVE-2011-5224 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Sentinel plugin version 1.0.0 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input parameters that are subsequently incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or validation. The issue creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate database operations through carefully crafted input strings that bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations running the specific Sentinel plugin version, making it particularly concerning for sites that rely on this security monitoring tool.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied data enters the plugin's query execution path without adequate input filtering mechanisms. Attackers can construct malicious SQL statements that get executed within the database context, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple input points within the plugin may be susceptible to this type of injection, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. This weakness directly maps to CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental flaw in input validation and data handling practices within database applications. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes the use of application layer protocols for command injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5224 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable full database compromise and potentially lead to complete system takeover. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information such as user credentials, and modify or delete critical data within the WordPress installation. The Sentinel plugin's intended purpose as a security monitoring tool makes this compromise particularly dangerous, as it could allow attackers to bypass the very security measures designed to protect the system. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to user accounts, loss of sensitive data, and potential service disruption. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple input vectors increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes it difficult to implement comprehensive defensive measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection flaw, as this represents the most effective solution. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and parameterized queries within the plugin's codebase to prevent similar issues in future deployments. Database access controls should be reviewed to limit the privileges of database accounts used by WordPress applications, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the damage remains contained. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of installed plugins and themes remain crucial for identifying similar vulnerabilities, while implementing proper logging and monitoring can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated and following secure coding practices that prevent injection vulnerabilities through proper input sanitization and query parameterization techniques.