CVE-2014-5389 in Content Audit
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in content-audit-schedule.php in the Content Audit plugin before 1.6.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the "Audited content types" option in the content-audit page to wp-admin/options-general.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The CVE-2014-5389 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Content Audit plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the content-audit-schedule.php file and affects versions prior to 1.6.1, creating a significant security risk for wordpress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw exists in the administrative interface where users can configure content audit schedules through the wp-admin/options-general.php page. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the "Audited content types" option, which serves as the injection vector for malicious sql commands.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies sql injection as a weakness that occurs when an application directly incorporates user input into sql queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. This particular implementation flaw allows remote attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms within the wordpress administrative panel. The vulnerability specifically affects the content audit scheduling functionality where user-selected content types are processed and inserted directly into database queries without adequate input validation or escaping mechanisms. This creates an environment where malicious actors can construct sql payloads that execute with the privileges of the affected wordpress installation's database user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized data access, data modification, or even data deletion. Attackers could potentially escalate their privileges within the wordpress environment, gain access to user credentials, or extract sensitive information from the database. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous for wordpress installations that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of wordpress installations, potentially affecting thousands of websites that rely on the Content Audit plugin for content management and auditing purposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5389 should focus on immediate patching of the Content Audit plugin to version 1.6.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as input validation on all administrative interfaces, regular security auditing of installed plugins, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date wordpress plugins and following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege for database users, proper input sanitization, and regular security assessments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for organizations to maintain secure configurations of their web applications and regularly update their software components to prevent exploitation.