CVE-2012-2109 in BuddyPress plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in wp-load.php in the BuddyPress plugin 1.5.x before 1.5.5 of WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the page parameter in an activity_widget_filter action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2109 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the BuddyPress plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions 1.5.x prior to 1.5.5. This vulnerability resides in the wp-load.php file and exploits a weakness in how the plugin handles user input during the activity_widget_filter action. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the page parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing SQL commands within the page parameter of the activity_widget_filter action. When the vulnerable BuddyPress plugin processes this input without proper sanitization, the malicious SQL code gets executed within the context of the database connection, potentially allowing attackers to retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive data from the WordPress database. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the activity_widget_filter action, which is commonly used in WordPress widgets and can be triggered through standard user interface interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, modify content, inject malware, or even establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects not just individual user data but potentially entire WordPress installations that rely on BuddyPress for social networking features and community management. This represents a significant risk to WordPress sites that use BuddyPress for user activity feeds, group management, or community engagement features.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate patching of affected WordPress installations running BuddyPress versions 1.5.x before 1.5.5 to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation measures, including parameterized queries and proper sanitization of all user-supplied data, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity related to SQL injection attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, specifically targeting the SQL injection attack pattern that can lead to complete system compromise when not properly mitigated through defensive measures such as input validation and proper database access controls.