CVE-2014-4944 in BSK PDF Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in inc/bsk-pdf-dashboard.php in the BSK PDF Manager plugin 1.3.2 for WordPress allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) categoryid or (2) pdfid parameter 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 • 06/07/2025
The CVE-2014-4944 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the BSK PDF Manager plugin version 1.3.2 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability exists in the inc/bsk-pdf-dashboard.php file and specifically targets the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint where authenticated users can manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters. The flaw allows attackers who have gained access to a valid user account to escalate their privileges and execute unauthorized database commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct parameter vectors within the plugin's administrative interface. Attackers can manipulate the categoryid parameter or the pdfid parameter to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. When these parameters are processed by the vulnerable php file, the input values are directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper input validation or sanitization. This creates an environment where malicious SQL statements can be executed with the privileges of the authenticated user, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges to administrator level access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has obtained legitimate user credentials can exploit this weakness to gain deeper system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4944 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to WordPress database operations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially read, modify, or delete any data stored in the WordPress database, including user credentials, posts, pages, and plugin configurations. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations running the specific version of the BSK PDF Manager plugin, making it particularly widespread in environments where this plugin was actively deployed. Given that WordPress powers approximately 40% of websites globally, the potential attack surface for this vulnerability is substantial. The exploitation process typically follows the attack pattern outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for remote services, where attackers leverage legitimate administrative access to perform database manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate patching and access control measures. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to a patched version of the BSK PDF Manager plugin, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases through proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit administrative access to only necessary personnel, following the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity best practices. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, aligning with security guidelines from organizations like the Open Web Application Security Project and the Center for Internet Security. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other plugins and themes, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern that affects many WordPress plugins lacking proper input sanitization mechanisms.