CVE-2015-2196 in Spider Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Spider Event Calendar 1.4.9 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter in a spiderbigcalendar_month action to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The CVE-2015-2196 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Spider Event Calendar plugin version 1.4.9 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint which serves as a central AJAX handler for WordPress administrative functions. The flaw manifests when the cat_id parameter is passed through the spiderbigcalendar_month action, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries directly through the web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's processing logic. When the cat_id parameter is received, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructs. This omission creates a classic SQL injection vector where an attacker can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed within the context of the database connection. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates through the WordPress administrative AJAX endpoint, which typically runs with elevated privileges and can access sensitive database information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected WordPress installation's database. Attackers can leverage this to extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schema details, and other confidential data stored within the WordPress database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as malicious actors could potentially modify database contents, insert backdoors, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The attack surface is further expanded since the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated exploitation tools.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. This weakness specifically manifests in the context of WordPress plugin development where input validation is often insufficiently implemented for AJAX handlers. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents a direct attack vector against publicly accessible web applications. Additionally, the technique aligns with T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, since exploitation often involves crafting malicious payloads that can be transmitted through standard web protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2196 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at multiple layers including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL patterns in the cat_id parameter. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the WordPress database user account has minimal required privileges, limiting potential damage from successful exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative AJAX endpoints can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, while maintaining updated security patches across all WordPress components.