CVE-2015-7517 in Double Opt-In for Download Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Double Opt-In for Download plugin before 2.0.9 for WordPress allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ver parameter to (1) class-doifd-download.php or (2) class-doifd-landing-page.php in public/includes/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7517 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Double Opt-In for Download WordPress plugin, affecting versions prior to 2.0.9. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input through the ver parameter, which is processed in two distinct files within the public/includes/ directory. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database layer, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation and underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's download and landing page functionality, making it particularly dangerous for sites that rely heavily on user registration and content download mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's core functionality. When the ver parameter is passed to either class-doifd-download.php or class-doifd-landing-page.php, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax into the ver parameter. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that enables arbitrary code execution at the database level. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the vulnerable plugin's structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or modification, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential data including user credentials, personal information, and potentially gain administrative access to the WordPress site. The implications are severe for any website utilizing the affected plugin, as the vulnerability could be exploited to establish persistent backdoors, modify content, or even use the compromised site as a launching point for attacks against other systems. The vulnerability's presence in the download and landing page components suggests that websites relying on user registration for content access are particularly at risk, as attackers can manipulate the registration process to gain unauthorized access to protected resources while maintaining stealth through legitimate-looking user activity patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7517 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 2.0.9 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. System administrators should also implement comprehensive input validation measures at the web application firewall level, specifically targeting the ver parameter and related endpoints to prevent malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to limit the privileges of the WordPress database user account, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, which addresses network service detection. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom code components that may present similar attack vectors.