CVE-2015-9330 in wp-all-import Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-all-import plugin before 3.2.5 for WordPress has blind SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2023
The wp-all-import plugin vulnerability CVE-2015-9330 represents a critical blind sql injection flaw that affected versions prior to 3.2.5 within the WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input during data import operations, specifically when processing import parameters that are not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious sql code through carefully crafted input fields, enabling them to manipulate the underlying database without direct visibility of query results, hence the "blind" nature of the injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's import functionality. When users configure import settings or provide data through the wp-all-import interface, the plugin fails to adequately escape or parameterize user-provided values before incorporating them into sql statements. This creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can construct malicious sql payloads that execute within the context of the database connection, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or even complete database compromise. The blind nature of the injection means that attackers must rely on indirect methods to determine if their payloads have succeeded, often through time-based or error-based techniques that infer success through response timing or database behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the target WordPress installation's database. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details stored within the database. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress plugin ecosystem, as it represents a failure in proper input handling that could enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors within the target environment. Given that wp-all-import is a widely used plugin for data migration and import operations, the potential attack surface is significant, particularly in environments where the plugin is installed with administrative privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9330 primarily focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 3.2.5 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection patterns, while conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a common vector for attack techniques classified under ATT&CK matrix technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, using parameterized queries, and maintaining updated security practices across all web applications helps prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.