CVE-2015-9234 in CP Contact Form with PayPal
Summary
by MITRE
The cp-contact-form-with-paypal (aka CP Contact Form with PayPal) plugin before 1.1.6 for WordPress has SQL injection via the cp_contactformpp_id parameter to cp_contactformpp.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2017
The cp-contact-form-with-paypal plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability that affects versions prior to 1.1.6, exposing systems to sophisticated sql injection attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the cp_contactformpp_id parameter within the cp_contactformpp.php endpoint, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through crafted input sequences. The flaw demonstrates a classic sql injection vulnerability pattern that allows unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the wordpress database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied parameters within the plugin's processing logic. When the cp_contactformpp_id parameter is passed to cp_contactformpp.php without proper validation or escaping mechanisms, it becomes susceptible to sql injection exploitation. Attackers can construct malicious sql payloads that bypass normal authentication checks and directly manipulate database operations. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-89 sql injection, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws identified in the owasp top ten. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages the plugin's legitimate database interaction functionality to execute arbitrary sql commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the wordpress environment. Successful exploitation could enable unauthorized users to extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schema details, and potentially gain administrative access to the entire wordpress installation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to both automated attack tools and skilled threat actors. From an attack chain perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the attack technique described in the mitre attack framework under initial access and privilege escalation categories, where attackers leverage web application flaws to establish persistent access to target systems. The affected wordpress environment becomes vulnerable to data exfiltration, modification of contact form data, and potential propagation of further attacks through compromised administrative credentials.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the cp-contact-form-with-paypal plugin to version 1.1.6 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and parameter validation. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable plugin across their wordpress installations and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities, enforcing strict input validation at all application entry points, and monitoring database access logs for suspicious activity. Organizations should also consider implementing database user privilege restrictions that limit the impact of potential sql injection attacks, ensuring that application database accounts have minimal necessary permissions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components and the necessity of regular security audits to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in widely used wordpress plugins.