CVE-2016-15040 in Kento Post View Counter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
The Kento Post View Counter plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'kento_pvc_geo' parameter in versions up to, and including, 2.8 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-15040 affects the Kento Post View Counter WordPress plugin, specifically versions up to and including 2.8. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes the plugin to SQL injection attacks through improper input validation and sanitization. The vulnerability manifests through the 'kento_pvc_geo' parameter which is processed without adequate escaping mechanisms, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The plugin's failure to implement proper parameter preparation techniques in its SQL queries creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted input. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it does not require authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the affected plugin version.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the 'kento_pvc_geo' parameter, which is then directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The lack of input escaping and insufficient query preparation allows attackers to inject additional SQL commands that can be executed within the context of the database connection. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper validation or escaping. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices and inadequate security controls in the plugin's code implementation, creating opportunities for data extraction and potential system compromise. The absence of proper parameter binding or input validation means that any user-supplied data can be interpreted as SQL syntax rather than literal data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to potentially enable full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to retrieve user credentials, personal information, configuration details, and other sensitive data stored within the WordPress database. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any visitor to a website running the vulnerable plugin can exploit this weakness without requiring prior access or credentials. This creates a significant risk for WordPress installations where the plugin is active, as it allows for passive data harvesting and potential escalation to more severe attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain insights into database structure, user accounts, and potentially enable further exploitation of the WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-15040 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability through proper input sanitization and parameter preparation. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious database queries and unauthorized access attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The WordPress security community recommends following the principle of least privilege for database connections and implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1005 for data from local system, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls. The vulnerability also aligns with the OWASP Top Ten category A03:2021 - Injection, emphasizing the critical importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing such attacks.