CVE-2014-3210 in Booking System
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in dopbs-backend-forms.php in the Booking System (Booking Calendar) plugin before 1.3 for WordPress allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the booking_form_id parameter to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3210 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Booking System plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.3. This vulnerability exists in the dopbs-backend-forms.php file and manifests through the booking_form_id parameter when processed by wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. The flaw enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation and underlying database infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's backend processing logic. When the booking_form_id parameter is submitted through the administrative AJAX endpoint, the system fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This omission creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that can manipulate database operations, extract sensitive information, or even gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires authentication, meaning that only users with valid WordPress administrative credentials can exploit this weakness, though this still represents a significant security risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the booking system's core functionality. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to modify booking records, delete critical reservation data, access customer information, or escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The attack vector through wp-admin/admin-ajax.php suggests that the vulnerability is particularly dangerous because AJAX endpoints are often used for administrative operations and may have elevated privileges. This SQL injection flaw can be leveraged to bypass authentication mechanisms, execute unauthorized database operations, and potentially lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can create persistent security risks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to the patched version 1.3 of the Booking System plugin, implementing proper input validation measures, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all WordPress plugins. Additional protective measures include monitoring administrative access logs for suspicious activities, implementing web application firewalls to detect SQL injection attempts, and ensuring that only necessary administrative privileges are granted to users. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, while the use of authenticated access places it within the T1078 category of valid accounts. Regular security assessments and prompt patch management are essential to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities, particularly in environments where WordPress plugins are frequently updated or where legacy systems may not receive timely security patches.