CVE-2015-7806 in Form Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in the fm_saveHelperGatherItems function in ajax.php in the Form Manager plugin before 1.7.3 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2021
The CVE-2015-7806 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw within the Form Manager plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.7.3. This vulnerability resides in the fm_saveHelperGatherItems function located within the ajax.php file, creating a dangerous attack surface that enables remote code execution. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected WordPress installation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" when considering how attackers might leverage such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system, potentially enabling them to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server for further attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of parameters within the ajax.php file's fm_saveHelperGatherItems function, where user input is directly incorporated into code execution contexts without proper sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit the lack of input validation to inject malicious code that gets executed within the context of the web server process. This creates a severe privilege escalation scenario where attackers can execute commands with the same privileges as the web server, typically running as the web user account with limited but potentially dangerous system access. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack paths could potentially be leveraged, including direct parameter manipulation, file upload bypasses, or other related injection techniques that may have been present in the broader plugin functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7806 is devastating for affected WordPress installations, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, attackers can deploy web shells, install malware, modify or delete content, steal sensitive information including user credentials and database contents, and use the compromised server for botnet activities or as a launchpad for attacks on other systems. The vulnerability affects not just individual websites but potentially entire WordPress networks, especially when multiple plugins or themes are affected by similar code injection patterns. Organizations using vulnerable versions of the Form Manager plugin face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where WordPress serves as a critical business application. The vulnerability also undermines the trust in the WordPress ecosystem, as it demonstrates how poorly implemented security controls in third-party plugins can create widespread exposure across thousands of websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7806 require immediate action including upgrading to the patched version 1.7.3 or later of the Form Manager plugin, which addresses the input validation deficiencies that enabled the code injection. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious activity, including unusual file modifications, unexpected network connections, and anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect common exploitation patterns associated with code injection attacks, while web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by filtering malicious input before it reaches the vulnerable application code. Security hardening measures should include restricting file permissions, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, and conducting regular security audits of all installed plugins and themes. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle code injection vulnerabilities, including system isolation protocols, forensic analysis capabilities, and communication strategies for affected stakeholders. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of keeping all WordPress components updated and following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, regular security assessments, and maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in the event of successful exploitation.