CVE-2014-7959 in BulletProof Security
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/htaccess/bpsunlock.php in the BulletProof Security plugin before .51.1 for WordPress allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the tableprefix parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2022
The CVE-2014-7959 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the BulletProof Security WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.51.1. This vulnerability resides in the admin/htaccess/bpsunlock.php file, which serves as a critical component for managing security configurations within the plugin's administrative interface. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to manipulate database queries through the tableprefix parameter, creating a pathway for arbitrary SQL command execution. The vulnerability's severity stems from its ability to bypass standard authentication mechanisms since the attacker must already possess valid administrative credentials, but once compromised, the impact extends far beyond simple privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the tableprefix parameter handling. When an authenticated administrator accesses the bpsunlock.php endpoint, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of input sanitization creates a classic SQL injection vector where malicious input can alter the intended query structure, allowing attackers to inject their own SQL commands. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates within the administrative context, where attackers can leverage elevated privileges to execute commands that could potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation, including user data, configuration files, and underlying database structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-7959 extends beyond immediate database compromise to encompass complete system infiltration and potential data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative configuration details stored within the WordPress database. The attack could also enable persistent backdoor access through database manipulation, allowing for continued unauthorized access even after the initial compromise is patched. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials use, as the attacker leverages existing administrative privileges to escalate their capabilities within the system. The vulnerability's presence in a security plugin specifically designed to protect WordPress installations creates a particularly dangerous scenario where the attacker can potentially disable or manipulate security measures while maintaining access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7959 require immediate patching of the BulletProof Security plugin to version 1.51.1 or later, which implements proper input sanitization for the tableprefix parameter. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to ensure all instances of the affected plugin are updated across their WordPress environments. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the bpsunlock.php endpoint. Access controls should be reviewed to minimize the number of administrative accounts with elevated privileges, implementing the principle of least privilege. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that input validation mechanisms are properly implemented throughout the application, with particular attention to parameter handling in administrative interfaces. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in security-critical components and the necessity of regular security updates for all WordPress plugins to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.