CVE-2011-5308 in Cdnvote
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in cdnvote-post.php in the cdnvote plugin before 0.4.2 for WordPress allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cdnvote_post_id or (2) cdnvote_point parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5308 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the cdnvote plugin for WordPress systems. This issue affects versions prior to 0.4.2 and specifically targets the cdnvote-post.php script which handles voting functionality for content delivery networks. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct parameter injection points namely cdnvote_post_id and cdnvote_point which are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation and underlying database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters that are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. When an attacker submits crafted values to either cdnvote_post_id or cdnvote_point parameters, the plugin fails to sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into database queries. This design flaw enables attackers to construct malicious SQL statements that can execute with the privileges of the database user account used by WordPress. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and represents a classic example of insecure input handling in web applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise WordPress installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5308 extends far beyond simple data theft or manipulation. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise including unauthorized access to user credentials, content manipulation, data exfiltration, and potential system persistence mechanisms. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, create backdoor accounts, or even deploy malware within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects not only individual websites but also poses risks to the broader WordPress ecosystem since compromised sites can serve as launching points for further attacks against other systems. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a network service exploitation technique that can lead to initial access and privilege escalation within target environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate plugin updates to version 0.4.2 or later where the SQL injection flaws have been addressed through proper input validation and parameterized query construction. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring of database query logs for suspicious activity. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application code, database level, and network perimeter controls. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege database access controls where WordPress database accounts have minimal necessary permissions to reduce potential impact from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the updated plugin functions correctly without introducing new vulnerabilities while maintaining the intended voting functionality for legitimate users.