CVE-2012-0937 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** wp-admin/setup-config.php in the installation component in WordPress 3.3.1 and earlier does not limit the number of MySQL queries sent to external MySQL database servers, which allows remote attackers to use WordPress as a proxy for brute-force attacks or denial of service attacks via the dbhost parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-4898. NOTE: the vendor disputes the significance of this issue because an incomplete WordPress installation might be present on the network for only a short time.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-0937 resides within the WordPress installation component, specifically in the wp-admin/setup-config.php file. This flaw manifests as a lack of query limitation mechanisms when processing the dbhost parameter, creating a scenario where external MySQL database servers can be overwhelmed by excessive query requests. The issue affects WordPress versions 3.3.1 and earlier, representing a significant security concern that could be exploited by malicious actors seeking to leverage the vulnerable system for harmful activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and query rate limiting within the WordPress installation script. When an attacker provides a malicious dbhost parameter, the system processes database connection requests without imposing reasonable limits on the number of queries that can be executed against external MySQL servers. This absence of query throttling creates an environment where attackers can flood target database servers with connection attempts, effectively using the compromised WordPress installation as a proxy for their attacks. The flaw operates at the network level by establishing connections to remote database endpoints and sending multiple queries in rapid succession.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables two primary attack vectors that pose significant risks to system availability and security. The first vector involves brute-force attacks where attackers can systematically attempt to guess valid database credentials by sending numerous connection requests through the vulnerable WordPress instance. The second vector targets denial of service conditions where attackers can overwhelm target database servers with excessive connection requests, potentially causing legitimate users to lose access to their database resources. The impact extends beyond simple availability issues as these attacks can also be used to gather information about database configurations and potentially identify other system vulnerabilities.
The vendor's stance that this issue is not significant due to the temporary nature of incomplete WordPress installations reflects a misunderstanding of the broader threat landscape. This vulnerability can be exploited even when WordPress installations are not fully configured, as the setup-config.php script remains accessible during the initial installation process. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that compromised WordPress installations often remain accessible for extended periods, providing attackers with sustained opportunities to leverage this flaw. Security professionals should recognize that even brief exposure windows can be sufficient for attackers to execute successful exploitation campaigns.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-770, which addresses the allocation of resources without limits or with inadequate limits, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain access to systems. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as connection rate limiting and firewall rules to prevent excessive database queries from being forwarded through vulnerable WordPress installations. Additionally, the use of intrusion detection systems can help identify anomalous patterns of database connection attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Proper patch management and immediate updates to WordPress installations are essential mitigations, as this vulnerability was resolved in subsequent versions through enhanced input validation and query rate limiting mechanisms. The incident underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive security controls during the initial system setup phases, where temporary vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers with minimal detection risk.