CVE-2015-4614 in Easy2Map Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in includes/Function.php in the Easy2Map plugin before 1.2.5 for WordPress allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the mapName parameter in an e2m_img_save_map_name action to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php and other unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The CVE-2015-4614 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Easy2Map WordPress plugin, affecting versions prior to 1.2.5. This vulnerability resides within the includes/Function.php file and demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted database queries. The vulnerability specifically targets the mapName parameter within the e2m_img_save_map_name action, which is processed through the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers who can leverage this weakness to manipulate the underlying database without proper authorization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern of SQL injection attacks where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into database query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The mapName parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that bypass normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in input validation and data sanitization processes. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, data manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the affected WordPress environment.
The operational implications of CVE-2015-4614 are severe for WordPress administrators and system operators, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. The vulnerability's accessibility through the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint means that attackers do not require valid user credentials or administrative privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where WordPress installations are exposed to the public internet. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in parameter handling and input validation that violate fundamental secure coding principles and align with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4614 require immediate action to upgrade the Easy2Map plugin to version 1.2.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, parameterized queries for all database interactions, and comprehensive monitoring of wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint activity. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or themes that may exhibit similar security flaws, and implement regular patch management processes to maintain up-to-date security controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices including the principle of least privilege, input sanitization, and proper error handling to prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles.