CVE-2014-5185 in Quartz Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Quartz plugin 1.01.1 for WordPress allows remote authenticated users with Contributor privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the quote parameter in an edit action in the quartz/quote_form.php page to wp-admin/edit.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2018
The CVE-2014-5185 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the quartz plugin version 1.01.1 for wordpress systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the quartz plugin's quote form functionality and exploits a lack of proper input validation in the quote parameter handling. The flaw exists in the quartz/quote_form.php file within the wp-admin/edit.php page, creating an attack vector that can be leveraged by authenticated users who possess contributor level privileges. This classification places the vulnerability within the context of privilege escalation attacks where a lower-privileged user can exploit the system to gain unauthorized access to database operations that should be restricted to higher-privileged roles.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the quote parameter during an edit action within the wordpress administrative interface. When a contributor user submits data through the quartz quote form, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into sql query structures. This allows an attacker to inject malicious sql commands that get executed within the database context, potentially leading to data manipulation, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling and inadequate input validation mechanisms that should have been implemented to prevent sql injection attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for wordpress installations running the affected quartz plugin version. The requirement for contributor privileges means that an attacker must first obtain credentials with at least contributor-level access, which is often more accessible than administrator credentials. However, once exploited, the vulnerability allows for arbitrary sql command execution, potentially enabling attackers to modify or delete content, extract sensitive user data, or escalate privileges further within the system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise and unauthorized modification of website content, affecting both the integrity and availability of the wordpress installation.
The vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as cwe-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities in software applications. This classification reflects the fundamental flaw in input handling and the lack of proper data sanitization before sql query execution. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under the attack technique of command execution and privilege escalation within the attack tactics and techniques framework. Organizations should consider implementing input validation controls, parameterized queries, and regular security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited. Additionally, the use of web application firewalls and proper access control mechanisms can help mitigate the risk of exploitation, while regular plugin updates and security monitoring remain essential defense strategies against similar vulnerabilities in the wordpress ecosystem.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sql injection flaw, along with comprehensive security audits of all installed wordpress plugins. System administrators should also implement proper input validation procedures, conduct regular security assessments, and ensure that all users maintain least privilege access to prevent unauthorized exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Regular monitoring of security advisories and maintaining updated security controls are essential practices for protecting wordpress installations against sql injection attacks and related security threats.