CVE-2015-9461 in Portfolio Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The awesome-filterable-portfolio plugin before 1.9 for WordPress has afp_get_new_portfolio_item_page SQL injection via the item_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
The CVE-2015-9461 vulnerability affects the awesome-filterable-portfolio plugin version 1.8 and earlier for WordPress, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary database commands. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the afp_get_new_portfolio_item_page endpoint where the item_id parameter is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted HTTP requests. Given that WordPress plugins often serve as attack vectors due to their frequent use of user input and database interactions, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to WordPress installations using the affected plugin version.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's codebase. When the item_id parameter is passed to the afp_get_new_portfolio_item_page function, the plugin fails to implement adequate parameterized queries or input filtering mechanisms. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL fragments that get executed within the database context, potentially enabling data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a common weakness in web application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command construction without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it leverages a standard WordPress plugin interface that would typically be accessible to authenticated users or even unauthenticated attackers depending on the plugin's configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database takeover, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential lateral movement within affected systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, modify portfolio content, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it could be automated through various exploit frameworks. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-hanging fruit vulnerability that provides high-value access to database resources, potentially enabling further attacks against the broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in plugin development, where input validation should be implemented at multiple layers of the application stack.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9461 primarily focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 1.9 or later, which contain proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of database queries and network traffic to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly looking for unusual SQL patterns or malformed requests targeting the affected endpoint. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to block suspicious SQL injection patterns and monitor for known attack signatures. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for database connections and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, emphasizing the need for both network and application-level defenses. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely updates of vulnerable components, as this vulnerability was addressed through a straightforward code update that resolved the input validation issues.