CVE-2012-5350 in Pay-with-tweet
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Pay With Tweet plugin before 1.2 for WordPress allows remote authenticated users with certain permissions to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a paywithtweet shortcode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
The CVE-2012-5350 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Pay With Tweet plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.2 and creates a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the id parameter within a paywithtweet shortcode. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes the id parameter in the paywithtweet shortcode without proper sanitization measures. Attackers with authenticated access and specific permissions can leverage this flaw to inject malicious SQL code into the database layer. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a common weakness in web applications where user input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This weakness creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the database structure, extract sensitive information, modify data, or potentially escalate their privileges within the affected WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation as it provides attackers with significant control over the underlying database operations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute commands that may lead to complete database compromise, allowing for unauthorized access to user credentials, payment information, and other sensitive data stored within the WordPress database. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers typically need to have valid user accounts with specific permissions, but once inside the system, they can cause substantial damage to the integrity and confidentiality of the affected platform.
The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation in web application security, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Organizations running vulnerable WordPress installations face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise, particularly when the plugin is used in environments handling sensitive financial information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate plugin functionality while exploiting a code implementation flaw that was not properly secured against malicious input.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5350 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.2 or later, which contain the necessary security patches to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, utilize prepared statements for database queries, and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of WordPress plugins are essential to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the web application stack. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activities and ensuring that user permissions are properly restricted to minimize the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts.