CVE-2014-9178 in Sp Project
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in classes/ajax.php in the Smarty Pants Plugins SP Project & Document Manager plugin (sp-client-document-manager) 2.4.1 and earlier for WordPress allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) vendor_email[] parameter in the email_vendor function or id parameter in the (2) download_project, (3) download_archive, or (4) remove_cat function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2025
The CVE-2014-9178 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Smarty Pants Plugins SP Project & Document Manager WordPress plugin version 2.4.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the classes/ajax.php file and demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted malicious input. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's AJAX handling functionality, which is commonly used for dynamic content updates and user interactions without full page reloads. The flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into database queries, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the affected WordPress installation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through four distinct attack vectors that target different functions within the plugin's AJAX interface. The first vector involves the vendor_email[] parameter within the email_vendor function, while the remaining three vectors target the id parameter in download_project, download_archive, and remove_cat functions respectively. These attack paths demonstrate a pattern of insecure parameter handling where user input flows directly into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how web applications can be compromised through inadequate input validation and sanitization practices. Attackers can leverage these vectors to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying database content, or even escalating privileges within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9178 extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress installation. Remote attackers can use these SQL injection points to extract user credentials, modify content, inject malware, or establish persistent access through database-level backdoors. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations where the vulnerable plugin is active, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the plugin's functionality or where the plugin is widely deployed. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1566.001, which involves credential harvesting through various attack vectors. The attack surface is significant since the plugin's AJAX functionality is typically exposed to unauthenticated users, making exploitation relatively straightforward and increasing the potential for widespread compromise across multiple WordPress installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9178 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 2.4.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly escaped before database insertion. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting database permissions for WordPress installations to only those necessary for normal operation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability scanning of WordPress installations to identify outdated plugins and themes that may contain similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also involve conducting security audits of all custom code and third-party plugins to ensure compliance with secure coding practices and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.