CVE-2013-1852 in leaguemanager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in leaguemanager.php in the LeagueManager plugin before 3.8.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the league_id parameter in the leaguemanager-export page to wp-admin/admin.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2025
The CVE-2013-1852 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the LeagueManager WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.8.1. This vulnerability resides in the leaguemanager.php file and exposes the plugin to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation. The flaw manifests when the league_id parameter is processed within the leaguemanager-export page located at wp-admin/admin.php, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection attack pattern where attacker-controlled input directly influences the structure of SQL commands executed by the WordPress application. When the league_id parameter is passed through the admin interface without adequate sanitization or parameterization, it allows threat actors to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed with the privileges of the web application. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, specifically targeting the improper handling of user input in database queries. The attack vector leverages the WordPress administrative interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by authenticated users with minimal privileges or potentially by unauthenticated attackers if proper access controls are absent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized user account creation, and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information including user credentials, plugin configurations, and other database content. The vulnerability's presence in the WordPress admin area means that even basic administrative functions become compromised, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete league data, manipulate standings, and gain persistent access to the affected WordPress installation. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it exploits a publicly accessible administrative interface to gain elevated privileges within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1852 primarily focus on immediate patching of the LeagueManager plugin to version 3.8.1 or later, which contains proper input validation and parameterization fixes. System administrators should also implement input sanitization measures at the web application level, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes remain essential, as this vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing need for vigilance in plugin security. The incident underscores the importance of keeping WordPress core and all plugins updated, as outdated components often contain known vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited by threat actors. Organizations should also consider implementing database query logging and monitoring to detect anomalous SQL activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.