CVE-2016-10888 in all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall plugin before 4.0.7 for WordPress has multiple SQL injection issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall plugin for WordPress contains critical SQL injection vulnerabilities that affect versions prior to 4.0.7, representing a significant threat to WordPress installations. These vulnerabilities arise from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the plugin's database query execution processes. The flaw exists in the plugin's administrative interfaces where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL statements without adequate sanitization or prepared statement usage. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects administrative functions that are typically protected by authentication mechanisms, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of these SQL injection flaws demonstrates poor coding practices that violate fundamental security principles for database interactions. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by manipulating input parameters through various plugin interfaces to inject malicious SQL code into database queries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the plugin's core functionality including firewall configuration, security settings, and user management features. When exploited, these injection points allow attackers to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise, unauthorized data access, or even full system takeover. The lack of proper input validation means that malicious payloads can be passed through various parameters including user IDs, configuration values, and security rule settings. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1566 for credential access through injection techniques.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and persistent backdoor establishment. An attacker who successfully exploits these SQL injection flaws can gain unauthorized access to sensitive WordPress configuration data, user credentials, and potentially the entire WordPress database. The vulnerability affects not only the plugin's immediate functionality but also the broader WordPress security posture, as compromised plugin administrators can manipulate firewall rules to bypass security measures. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this plugin face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to administrative interfaces, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning as it can be exploited repeatedly without detection, especially if attackers establish backdoors through the compromised plugin interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall plugin to version 4.0.7 or later, which addresses the identified SQL injection flaws through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any exploitation attempts and monitor for unusual database activity patterns that may indicate successful exploitation. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to WordPress administrative interfaces, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of malformed SQL queries in database logs and unusual access patterns to plugin administrative functions. Organizations should also implement proper input validation practices across all web applications and ensure that database connections use least privilege principles to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other WordPress plugins and themes, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper database interaction security practices. The remediation process should also include credential rotation for any compromised administrative accounts and thorough log analysis to identify potential compromise indicators.