CVE-2016-10940 in zm-gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The zm-gallery plugin 1.0 for WordPress has SQL injection via the order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The CVE-2016-10940 vulnerability affects the zm-gallery plugin version 1.0 for WordPress, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to database systems. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the order parameter, which is improperly validated and sanitized within the plugin's code execution flow. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation and parameterized queries when processing user-supplied data, creating an exploitable entry point for attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted malicious inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code through the order parameter, which is typically used to sort gallery items in a specific order. When the plugin processes this parameter without adequate sanitization, it directly incorporates user input into SQL query construction, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary database commands. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is concatenated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability can be exploited to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise of the affected WordPress installation. Attackers can leverage the SQL injection to access administrative credentials, modify or delete gallery content, inject backdoors, or even escalate their access to the underlying server. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the specific zm-gallery plugin version 1.0, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple sites share common plugin repositories. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an attack vector through a publicly accessible WordPress plugin component that can be exploited without requiring authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10940 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.1 or later, which implements proper parameter validation and input sanitization. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the order parameter, while conducting thorough security assessments of all installed plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage if exploitation occurs, and regular security monitoring should be established to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks across all web applications.