CVE-2014-8336 in WP-DBManager
Summary
by MITRE
The "Sql Run Query" panel in WP-DBManager (aka Database Manager) plugin before 2.7.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files by leveraging failure to sufficiently limit queries, as demonstrated by use of LOAD_FILE in an INSERT statement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8336 resides within the WP-DBManager plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.7.2. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized file access operations through the Sql Run Query panel. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and query restriction mechanisms within the plugin's database management interface, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to bypass normal security controls.
The technical flaw manifests through the plugin's insufficient limitation of database queries, particularly when processing SQL statements containing the LOAD_FILE function. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious INSERT statements that utilize LOAD_FILE to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem. This capability directly violates the principle of least privilege and allows unauthorized access to sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the database layer where the plugin fails to properly sanitize or restrict user input, enabling a form of SQL injection that extends beyond typical injection attacks to include file system exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can extract database credentials, configuration files, user information, and potentially sensitive application data from the WordPress installation. The ability to read arbitrary files means that attackers can access not only database connection details but also application source code, plugin files, and potentially system configuration data. This access can lead to complete system compromise, as database credentials often provide access to other system components and can be used to escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation using the vulnerable WP-DBManager plugin version, making it a widespread concern for website administrators.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to WP-DBManager version 2.7.2 or later, which includes proper query validation and restriction mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the Sql Run Query panel to trusted IP addresses only, and consider disabling the plugin entirely if the functionality is not required. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization and database query parameterization, can help prevent similar issues. Organizations should conduct regular security audits of their WordPress plugins and ensure all third-party components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a clear example of how insufficient query restrictions can lead to privilege escalation and data exposure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, where adversaries leverage application-level weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to system resources.