CVE-2015-9466 in wti-like-post Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wti-like-post plugin before 1.4.3 for WordPress has WtiLikePostProcessVote SQL injection via the HTTP_CLIENT_IP, HTTP_X_FORWARDED_FOR, HTTP_X_FORWARDED, HTTP_FORWARDED_FOR, or HTTP_FORWARDED variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
The wti-like-post plugin for WordPress contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that affects versions prior to 1.4.3, representing a significant security risk for WordPress installations. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's vote processing functionality, specifically targeting variables used to capture client IP addresses and forwarding headers. The affected plugin processes user votes through a backend mechanism that fails to properly sanitize or escape data derived from HTTP headers, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages common HTTP headers that are routinely used by web applications to track user sessions and proxy information, making it a sophisticated attack vector that could bypass traditional security measures.
The technical flaw manifests in the WtiLikePostProcessVote function where the plugin directly incorporates HTTP header values into database queries without proper sanitization. When users submit votes through the plugin's interface, the system retrieves IP address information from headers such as HTTP_CLIENT_IP, HTTP_X_FORWARDED_FOR, HTTP_X_FORWARDED, HTTP_FORWARDED_FOR, and HTTP_FORWARDED. These values are then concatenated directly into SQL query strings without proper parameterization or input validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the database queries through malicious input in these headers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how insecure data handling can lead to complete database compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because these headers are often populated by proxies, load balancers, or other network infrastructure components, making them accessible to attackers who can manipulate these values through various network-level attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data manipulation, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and potential system takeover. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details stored within the WordPress database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete content, potentially corrupting the entire website's data integrity. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which involves application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190, representing exploitation of remote services. The widespread use of WordPress and the prevalence of this plugin in the ecosystem amplifies the potential impact, as compromised sites could serve as launching points for broader attacks within network infrastructures. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited in combination with other techniques to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary and most critical step is upgrading to version 1.4.3 or later of the wti-like-post plugin, which contains the necessary patches to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data, including HTTP headers, undergoes rigorous sanitization before being processed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security auditing and penetration testing of WordPress installations are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top 10 security guidelines, particularly those addressing injection flaws and input validation. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and establish incident response procedures to quickly address any potential compromise.