CVE-2015-9344 in link-log Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The link-log plugin before 2.1 for WordPress has SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
The CVE-2015-9344 vulnerability affects the link-log plugin for WordPress versions prior to 2.1, representing a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through malicious input. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data, specifically in how it processes link log entries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to implement secure database query construction practices, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of WordPress installations that utilize this plugin, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or escalate privileges within the affected systems.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user-provided link information without adequate input validation or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious SQL payloads through the plugin's interface or API endpoints, which then get incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a common vulnerability resulting from improper handling of untrusted data in database queries. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data extraction, as it can enable attackers to perform unauthorized actions on the database, including creating new user accounts, modifying existing records, or even deleting critical information. The lack of proper prepared statements or parameterized queries in the plugin's codebase exemplifies poor secure coding practices that have been consistently identified as a primary cause of SQL injection attacks in web applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress administrators and website owners who have not updated their link-log plugin to version 2.1 or later. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the plugin's functionality typically involves logging and managing external links, making it accessible to various user roles within WordPress. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the database, potentially including user credentials, site configurations, or other confidential data. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, as database access often provides attackers with the ability to manipulate core WordPress functionality. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting WordPress installations, where attackers may use the initial compromise to establish persistence or move laterally within network environments.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9344 include immediate patching of the link-log plugin to version 2.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent SQL injection attacks. Administrators should also implement comprehensive input validation and output escaping mechanisms throughout their WordPress installations, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, and maintain up-to-date backup systems to facilitate rapid recovery in case of successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1190 emphasizes the importance of defending against exploitation of web application vulnerabilities, particularly those that enable data access and manipulation through database injection attacks. Regular monitoring of plugin repositories and security advisories is essential for maintaining WordPress security posture and preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack.