CVE-2016-11000 in wp-ultimate-exporter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-ultimate-exporter plugin through 1.1 for WordPress has SQL injection via the export_type_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2023
The wp-ultimate-exporter plugin for WordPress represents a significant security vulnerability classified as CVE-2016-11000, which affects versions through 1.1. This plugin serves as a data export tool for wordpress sites, allowing administrators to export various types of content including posts, pages, and custom post types. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's export functionality, specifically targeting the export_type_name parameter that controls the type of data being exported. The flaw exists in the plugin's backend processing logic where user-supplied input directly influences database query construction without proper sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the export_type_name parameter is passed to the database query without appropriate escaping or parameterization. Attackers can manipulate this parameter to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed within the context of the database connection. This allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion across the wordpress installation's database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the plugin's legitimate export functionality, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since the parameter is processed during the export operation, which typically requires only user-level access to the wordpress admin interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could extract sensitive user information including administrator credentials, user session data, and confidential site content. The vulnerability also enables data manipulation attacks where malicious actors could alter or delete critical content within the wordpress installation. Given that many wordpress installations rely on plugins for extended functionality, this vulnerability could provide attackers with a foothold for further attacks within the larger web application ecosystem. The exploitability is relatively straightforward, requiring only basic SQL injection techniques and access to the wordpress admin panel.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the wp-ultimate-exporter plugin to version 1.2 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement web application firewall rules to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the export functionality. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 sub-technique for application layer protocol manipulation. Regular security audits of wordpress plugins should include verification of input validation practices and database query construction methods. Additionally, implementing least privilege access controls for wordpress administrative functions and monitoring export operations can help detect unauthorized exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to identify unusual query patterns that may indicate SQL injection attacks.