CVE-2012-10009 in 404like Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2023
A vulnerability was found in 404like Plugin up to 1.0.2. It has been classified as critical. Affected is the function checkPage of the file 404Like.php. The manipulation of the argument searchWord leads to sql injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. Upgrading to version 1.0.2 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is 2c4b589d27554910ab1fd104ddbec9331b540f7f. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-223404.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-10009 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the 404like WordPress plugin version 1.0.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the checkPage function of the 404Like.php file, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate the searchWord argument. The flaw enables remote code execution through sql injection techniques, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit this weakness from outside the network without requiring authentication. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its potential to allow full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the WordPress installation. According to the vulnerability database identifier VDB-223404, this issue affects not only the plugin's functionality but also poses significant risks to the overall security posture of affected WordPress sites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the searchWord parameter is processed by the checkPage function without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This failure to properly handle user input creates an environment where sql injection attacks can succeed, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the database backend. The attack vector is remote, meaning that malicious actors can trigger this vulnerability through web requests without needing physical access to the server. The patch referenced as 2c4b589d27554910ab1fd104ddbec9331b540f7f addresses this issue by implementing proper input validation and sql parameterization techniques. This remediation follows established security practices that align with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities in software applications. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation, where user-supplied data flows directly into sql queries without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over the affected WordPress installation. Successful exploitation could result in website defacement, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and the potential for establishing persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The remote nature of the attack means that this vulnerability can be exploited by threat actors at scale without requiring direct access to the target network. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the 404like plugin face significant risk of compromise, particularly if their WordPress installations lack additional security layers such as web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used plugin increases the attack surface for malicious actors who actively scan for known vulnerabilities in popular wordpress components.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the recommended upgrade to version 1.0.2 or later. The patch implementation addresses the core issue by ensuring that user input is properly sanitized before being processed by sql queries. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as regular vulnerability scanning, input validation monitoring, and security hardening of their wordpress installations. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping all plugins and themes updated, as outdated components remain common attack vectors for cybercriminals. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing site functionality. Furthermore, implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, aligning with the principles outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework for defending against web application attacks.