CVE-2015-9458 in searchterms-tagging-2 Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The searchterms-tagging-2 plugin through 1.535 for WordPress has SQL injection via the pk_stt2_db_get_popular_terms count parameter exploitable via CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
The CVE-2015-9458 vulnerability resides within the searchterms-tagging-2 plugin version 1.535 for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the pk_stt2_db_get_popular_terms function where the count parameter is improperly validated and sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw manifests when an attacker can manipulate this parameter through a cross-site request forgery attack, allowing them to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed within the WordPress database context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a specific attack pattern that leverages the plugin's insufficient input validation mechanisms. When the count parameter is passed to the pk_stt2_db_get_popular_terms function, it lacks proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an entry point for SQL injection attacks. The CSRF aspect of this vulnerability means that an attacker can trick authenticated users into executing malicious requests that include the crafted SQL injection payload within the count parameter. This combination of SQL injection and CSRF exploitation significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact, as it requires minimal user interaction while still achieving database-level access.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9458 extends beyond simple data theft, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information, modify database content, or even establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress environment. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access user credentials, administrative panels, or other sensitive data stored within the WordPress database. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and follows ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Given that WordPress is one of the most widely deployed content management systems, the potential for widespread exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations running affected versions of the plugin.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection flaw, combined with proper input validation and parameterization of all database queries. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns and ensure that all WordPress plugins are regularly updated from trusted sources. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and user privilege management can limit the damage if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits and database monitoring can help detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, as recommended by both CWE guidelines and industry security best practices.