CVE-2013-3530 in XSPF Player plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in playlist.php in the Spiffy XSPF Player plugin 0.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the playlist_id parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The CVE-2013-3530 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the spiffy xspf player plugin version 0.1 for wordpress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the playlist.php script which processes user input through the playlist_id parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted playlist_id parameter that contains sql injection sequences. These sequences can manipulate the underlying sql query execution, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive database information, modify or delete records, or even escalate privileges within the affected wordpress installation. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector where user-supplied input directly influences sql command construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. This weakness aligns with cwe-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can provide attackers with complete control over the affected wordpress database. Attackers can leverage this access to modify or delete playlist data, potentially disrupting media content delivery for legitimate users. More severely, the vulnerability could enable attackers to extract administrative credentials, user information, or other sensitive data stored within the database. The attack surface is particularly concerning for wordpress installations using the spiffy xspf player plugin, as it affects the entire plugin functionality and potentially compromises the broader wordpress ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3530 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin version, as the vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild. Organizations should implement proper input validation techniques including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and strict input sanitization to prevent similar issues in future deployments. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious sql patterns and unusual database access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all wordpress plugins updated and following security best practices such as implementing least privilege principles for database access and conducting regular security audits of third-party components. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input handling flaws can create significant security risks in content management systems and underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.