CVE-2015-9398 in gocodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The gocodes plugin through 1.3.5 for WordPress has wp-admin/tools.php gcid SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2023
The gocodes plugin for WordPress contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability in the wp-admin/tools.php file that affects versions through 1.3.5. This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's administrative interface, specifically in the gcid parameter handling. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the WordPress database, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack vector where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which represents improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, commonly known as SQL injection. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the wp-admin directory, which is the administrative backend of WordPress installations where privileged users have elevated access rights. The gocodes plugin's implementation fails to properly sanitize the gcid parameter, allowing malicious SQL payloads to be executed within the context of the database connection. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to WordPress installations as it enables attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress installation and potentially the underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper parameterized queries and input sanitization mechanisms in web applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to bypass authentication, manipulate content, or even gain shell access to the hosting environment, depending on the database configuration and permissions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1190 which covers exploit public-facing application, making it a critical target for both automated scanning tools and targeted attacks. Organizations running affected WordPress installations should immediately apply patches or upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as the plugin's administrative interface provides a direct pathway for privilege escalation. The lack of proper input validation in the plugin's tools.php file creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers with minimal effort once they have gained administrative access to a WordPress site. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of regular security audits and the implementation of secure coding practices throughout the WordPress plugin ecosystem. The SQL injection flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the plugin's security architecture, where user-controllable input is directly interpreted as executable database commands without proper security controls. Modern security practices dictate that all user inputs must be treated as untrusted and properly sanitized before being processed by database systems, a principle that was clearly violated in this plugin implementation. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a systemic issue in the plugin's development lifecycle, where security testing and code review processes were insufficient to identify and remediate the dangerous input handling mechanism. Organizations should prioritize the immediate remediation of this vulnerability through plugin updates or complete removal from their WordPress installations to prevent potential exploitation by threat actors who actively scan for known vulnerabilities in popular WordPress plugins. The complexity of this vulnerability lies in its ability to serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, where initial database access can be leveraged to escalate privileges or establish persistent access within the compromised environment.