CVE-2012-5853 in AJAX Post Search Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the "the_search_function" function in cardoza_ajax_search.php in the AJAX Post Search (cardoza-ajax-search) plugin before 1.3 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the srch_txt parameter in a "the_search_text" action to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The CVE-2012-5853 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the cardoza-ajax-search wordpress plugin, specifically targeting the the_search_function within the cardoza_ajax_search.php file. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 1.3 and exposes wordpress installations to remote code execution risks through improper input validation. The flaw occurs when the plugin processes search requests through the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the administrative interface context where elevated privileges may be available.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the srch_txt parameter within the "the_search_text" action call. When attackers submit malicious input through this parameter, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape the user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute within the database context, potentially enabling full database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the wordpress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage the sql injection to escalate privileges, modify or delete database content, inject malicious code into the wordpress installation, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through the ajax interface, which is commonly used for legitimate administrative functions and may bypass certain security monitoring mechanisms that focus on traditional web traffic patterns.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software security. The attack surface aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 application layer protocol, as it exploits web application protocols to execute malicious code. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate secure coding principles, specifically the lack of proper parameter sanitization and the absence of prepared statements or proper sql escaping mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5853 require immediate plugin updates to version 1.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly sanitize input parameters. Organizations should implement web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities and establish comprehensive monitoring of ajax endpoint activity. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all wordpress plugins and themes to identify similar input validation weaknesses. Regular patch management processes should be enforced to ensure timely updates of all wordpress components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping content management systems current with security patches. The remediation process should also include database access controls and privilege segregation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.