CVE-2015-9452 in nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder plugin before 4.6.1 for WordPress has SQL injection via the wp-admin/admin.php?page=nex-forms-main nex_forms_Id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9452 affects the nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 4.6.1. This issue represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized attackers to execute malicious SQL commands against the affected WordPress installation's database. The vulnerability manifests through the wp-admin/admin.php?page=nex-forms-main nex_forms_Id parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of SQL injection as defined by CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, leading to the execution of unintended commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the nex_forms_Id parameter to inject malicious SQL syntax into the database query execution flow. WordPress plugins typically handle user input through various parameters passed via HTTP requests, and when these parameters are not properly validated or escaped, they create entry points for attackers to exploit. In this case, the plugin's administrative interface does not adequately filter or escape the nex_forms_Id parameter, allowing attackers to inject SQL commands that can manipulate the database directly. This flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations on the WordPress database, potentially leading to complete compromise of the affected site.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9452 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the WordPress installation. Successful exploitation could result in the complete compromise of user accounts, modification of website content, or even the installation of backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of the plugin, which means that attackers could potentially manipulate form configurations, access sensitive form data, or disrupt the normal operation of the website's form submission processes. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to TA0006 Credential Access and TA0005 Defense Evasion, as attackers can use it to extract credentials and then evade detection through data manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9452 primarily involve immediate plugin updates to version 4.6.1 or later, which contain proper input sanitization and parameter validation. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls, database query parameterization, and regular security audits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input handling in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the SQL injection vulnerability category. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls, monitoring for unusual database activity, and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all WordPress plugins and themes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.