CVE-2014-10017 in e-Commerce
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Welcart e-Commerce plugin 1.3.12 for WordPress allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) changeSort or (2) switch parameter in the usces_itemedit page to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The CVE-2014-10017 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Welcart e-Commerce plugin version 1.3.12 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface of the plugin, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious SQL commands without requiring authentication. The flaw exists in the usces_itemedit page located within the wp-admin/admin.php file, making it accessible through direct manipulation of HTTP parameters. The vulnerability impacts the plugin's ability to properly sanitize user input, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that can be executed against the underlying database. This particular vulnerability is classified as a CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is a well-documented weakness in web applications where user input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the administrative backend, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive customer information including payment details, personal data, and business records.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of two specific parameters: changeSort and switch within the usces_itemedit page. Attackers can craft malicious requests that include SQL injection payloads in these parameters, which are then processed by the vulnerable plugin code without adequate input sanitization. The SQL injection occurs because the plugin fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. When an attacker submits a request containing malicious SQL code in either parameter, the web application executes this code within the database context, potentially allowing for data retrieval, modification, or deletion. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS where attackers may use database manipulation techniques to extract sensitive information. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates within the WordPress administrative interface, which typically has elevated privileges and access to sensitive system data. The exploitation process requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-10017 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized modification of product catalogs, customer data manipulation, and potential complete database takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject backdoors, escalate privileges, or extract sensitive information including customer credit card details, personal identification information, and business financial records. The vulnerability affects e-commerce operations by potentially rendering the online store unusable or compromised, leading to financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. Organizations using the affected plugin version face significant risk of data breaches and compliance violations under various data protection regulations including GDPR, PCI DSS, and similar standards. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially perform privilege escalation attacks, allowing them to gain administrative access to the WordPress installation itself, which could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-10017 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Welcart e-Commerce plugin, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and input sanitization techniques, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before database queries are executed. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application code to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the WordPress installation. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and monitoring of administrative interfaces to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unusual query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.