CVE-2015-9334 in email-newsletter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The email-newsletter plugin through 20.15 for WordPress has SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The CVE-2015-9334 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the email-newsletter plugin version 20.15 and earlier for the WordPress content management system. This vulnerability exposes WordPress installations to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise through maliciously crafted database queries. The flaw specifically affects the plugin's handling of user input parameters, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the widespread adoption of WordPress and its plugins, making numerous websites susceptible to exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details stored within the database. The vulnerability occurs due to insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's database interaction functions, allowing malicious payloads to be directly executed as part of SQL queries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector typically involves manipulating parameters passed to the plugin's functions that process newsletter subscriptions or email management features. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to modify website content, install backdoors, or establish persistent access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers may use this weakness to gain initial access and then pivot through the network. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations where the email-newsletter plugin is actively used, particularly those with default configurations or without proper input filtering mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of proper parameter validation and prepared statement usage in database interactions. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this plugin face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to their WordPress installations.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries. When users interact with the newsletter subscription forms or related functionality, the plugin processes these inputs without adequate validation, allowing malicious SQL commands to be executed. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database level, meaning that successful exploitation can yield access to all data stored within the WordPress database. Attackers can craft payloads that bypass authentication mechanisms, extract user account information including hashed passwords, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated using existing penetration testing tools or custom scripts. The specific functions within the email-newsletter plugin that handle user input for newsletter management and subscription processes are the primary attack targets. These functions fail to implement proper input validation techniques such as parameterized queries or input sanitization routines, creating the conditions necessary for SQL injection to occur. The vulnerability's impact is not limited to immediate data theft but also includes long-term security implications such as persistent access and potential lateral movement within compromised networks. The flaw exists in the plugin's database abstraction layer where user data is processed without appropriate security controls. This vulnerability represents a classic example of insecure data handling practices that violate fundamental security principles for database interaction. The attack surface is expanded by the plugin's integration with WordPress core systems, allowing attackers to potentially leverage the compromised data for further exploitation of the broader web application environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9334 require immediate action to address the vulnerable plugin installation and implement comprehensive security controls. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the patched version of the email-newsletter plugin, which should include proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts targeting the specific plugin endpoints. Database access controls should be reviewed and restricted to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries within the plugin's database interactions would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future versions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns or query execution that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within the WordPress installation and associated plugins. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level sanitization, database-level filtering, and network-level monitoring. The use of least privilege principles for database accounts can limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date security patches for WordPress core and all installed plugins is essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities. Security awareness training for administrators can help prevent accidental activation of vulnerable plugin features through improper configuration or usage patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of regular security assessments and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies to protect web applications from SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL query patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.