CVE-2014-8949 in iMember360
Summary
by MITRE
The iMember360 plugin 3.8.012 through 3.9.001 for WordPress allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the i4w_trace parameter. NOTE: this can be leveraged with CVE-2014-8948 to allow remote attackers to execute code. NOTE: it is not clear whether this issue itself crosses privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
The iMember360 plugin vulnerability CVE-2014-8949 represents a critical command injection flaw that specifically targets WordPress installations using versions 3.8.012 through 3.9.001. This vulnerability operates within the context of authenticated administrator privileges, meaning that an attacker must first obtain administrative access to the WordPress system to exploit this weakness. The flaw resides in the i4w_trace parameter handling within the plugin's code, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted shell metacharacters to be executed with the privileges of the authenticated user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables arbitrary command execution, which can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploits in the same vulnerability family.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user input within the plugin's backend processing logic. When an authenticated administrator submits data containing shell metacharacters through the i4w_trace parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before incorporating them into system commands. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for command injection attacks, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the server hosting the WordPress installation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as a Command Injection weakness, which is a well-documented and severe class of vulnerabilities that can result in complete system compromise when exploited properly.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8949 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain when combined with CVE-2014-8948, which likely provides initial access or privilege escalation capabilities. This combination creates a powerful attack vector that can enable remote attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. The vulnerability's potential to cross privilege boundaries, though not definitively confirmed, suggests that an attacker might be able to escalate their privileges beyond the initial administrative access. Such capabilities align with techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy, particularly those involving privilege escalation and persistent access mechanisms that are commonly used in advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the iMember360 plugin to versions that properly sanitize all user inputs and implement proper input validation. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to administrative interfaces, employ web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, and conduct thorough security audits of all installed WordPress plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project, specifically addressing the risks associated with injection flaws. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components of the WordPress ecosystem.