CVE-2015-5599 in Powerplay Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in upload.php in the Powerplay Gallery plugin 3.3 for WordPress allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) albumid or (2) name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2022
The CVE-2015-5599 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Powerplay Gallery plugin version 3.3 for WordPress, specifically affecting the upload.php script. This vulnerability exposes the plugin to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The flaw manifests when attackers manipulate the albumid or name parameters in the upload.php endpoint, allowing malicious SQL commands to be injected and executed against the underlying database. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a severe weakness in software security practices. The attack vector leverages the plugin's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, creating an exploitable condition that enables unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with potential full database control and could lead to complete system takeover. When exploited, the vulnerability allows threat actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, database schemas, and application configuration details. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress installations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage publicly accessible web applications to gain initial access to target systems. The attack chain typically involves reconnaissance to identify vulnerable WordPress installations, followed by exploitation of the upload.php script through crafted SQL injection payloads targeting the albumid or name parameters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5599 require immediate action to address the core vulnerability through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. System administrators should implement the latest security patches from the plugin vendor or upgrade to a patched version of the Powerplay Gallery plugin. The recommended defense-in-depth approach includes implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection attempts, applying proper input sanitization techniques, and using prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent injection attacks. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable components within their WordPress installations and ensure that all plugins and themes are regularly updated. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the principle of least privilege in application design to minimize the attack surface and prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future software deployments.