CVE-2015-1055 in Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Photo Gallery plugin 1.2.7 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the order_by parameter in a GalleryBox action to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The CVE-2015-1055 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Photo Gallery plugin version 1.2.7 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input through the order_by parameter within the GalleryBox action that processes requests through wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the database layer, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that typically protect wordpress installations from unauthorized database access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's codebase. When users interact with the photo gallery functionality, the order_by parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw falls under the common weakness identified as cwe-89 sql injection, where user-supplied data is improperly handled in sql contexts. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where the plugin fails to properly separate sql command structure from user data, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to wordpress installations that utilize the affected Photo Gallery plugin. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, and administrative details from the underlying database. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the vulnerability. Successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized content modification, user account takeover, and potential lateral movement within network environments where wordpress installations are deployed. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 1.2.7, making it a widespread concern for wordpress administrators who have not updated their plugins.
The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential system-wide security degradation. Once attackers gain database access through sql injection, they can manipulate the wordpress installation itself by modifying core configuration files, adding malicious users, or injecting backdoors into the system. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework where initial access through web application exploitation leads to persistent compromise. Organizations using wordpress platforms should prioritize immediate patching of this vulnerability, as the plugin's widespread adoption means that many systems are potentially exposed to this threat. Security monitoring should focus on anomalous database query patterns and unexpected administrative actions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation strategy involves updating to the patched version of the Photo Gallery plugin, implementing proper input validation at all application entry points, and maintaining comprehensive security monitoring for sql injection attempts across all web applications.