CVE-2015-5308 in wp-championship Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in cs_admin_users.php in the wp-championship plugin 5.8 for WordPress allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) user, (2) isadmin, (3) mail service, (4) mailresceipt, (5) stellv, (6) champtipp, (7) tippgroup, or (8) userid parameter.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2018
The vulnerability CVE-2015-5308 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the wp-championship plugin version 5.8 for WordPress, specifically affecting the cs_admin_users.php administrative script. This vulnerability exposes the plugin to remote code execution attacks through multiple input parameters that are not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database operations by injecting malicious SQL commands through user-controlled input fields, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The affected parameters include user, isadmin, mail service, mailresceipt, stellv, champtipp, tippgroup, and userid, all of which are processed without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the WordPress plugin's administrative interface. When administrators or authenticated users interact with the cs_admin_users.php script, the plugin fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that can manipulate the underlying database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects administrative functions, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, extract sensitive data, modify user accounts, or even gain full control over the WordPress installation. The attack vector is entirely remote, requiring no local access or authentication, making it highly exploitable in targeted environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5308 extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to user credentials, personal information, and administrative privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability's presence in the wp-championship plugin, which is commonly used for sports league management and championship tracking, creates additional risks for organizations that rely on these systems for business operations. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized modification of championship results, user account takeovers, data corruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments where WordPress installations are deployed. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials usage through exploitation of administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5308 require immediate action to address the vulnerable plugin version and implement defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the latest version of the wp-championship plugin where the SQL injection vulnerabilities have been patched. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within the plugin code would prevent similar issues from occurring. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual database access patterns and SQL injection attempts within WordPress environments. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and penetration testing of WordPress plugins, particularly those with administrative functionality, to identify and remediate similar security flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.