CVE-2015-9316 in wp-fastest-cache Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-fastest-cache plugin before 0.8.4.9 for WordPress has SQL injection in wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=wpfc_wppolls_ajax_request via the poll_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The wp-fastest-cache plugin vulnerability CVE-2015-9316 represents a critical SQL injection flaw that affected versions prior to 0.8.4.9 within the WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets the admin-ajax.php endpoint which serves as a central communication point for administrative AJAX requests in WordPress. The flaw manifests through the poll_id parameter within the wpfc_wppolls_ajax_request action, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted poll_id values.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection pattern where the poll_id parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate input filtering. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable complete database compromise, potentially leading to full system takeover. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of proper parameter sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling user input through AJAX interfaces. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the WordPress database. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious poll_id parameters that manipulate the SQL query structure to extract administrative credentials, user information, or other confidential data. The vulnerability affects not only the database integrity but also the overall security posture of WordPress sites, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoor access. Attackers may use this entry point to establish further footholds within the network, potentially escalating privileges and expanding their access beyond the initial database compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9316 involve immediate patching of the wp-fastest-cache plugin to version 0.8.4.9 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should also implement proper input sanitization measures at the application level, including parameterized queries and proper escaping of user inputs. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping all WordPress components updated and following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.