CVE-2017-1002014 in image-gallery-with-slideshow
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in wordpress plugin image-gallery-with-slideshow v1.5.2, Blind SQL Injection in image-gallery-with-slideshow/admin_setting.php via gallery_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1002014 affects the image-gallery-with-slideshow wordpress plugin version 1.5.2, specifically targeting the admin_setting.php file through the gallery_name parameter. This represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute blind sql injection attacks against the affected system. The vulnerability exists within the administrative interface of the plugin, making it particularly dangerous as it could potentially provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system data. The issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database through carefully crafted sql commands.
The technical implementation of this blind sql injection vulnerability occurs when the gallery_name parameter is processed within the admin_setting.php file without adequate sanitization measures. Attackers can manipulate this parameter to inject malicious sql payloads that, when executed by the database engine, can extract information from the database through indirect means. The blind nature of the injection means that the attacker cannot directly observe the sql query results in the application response, requiring more sophisticated techniques such as time-based or boolean-based inference to extract data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe database compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the administrative functions of a wordpress plugin, potentially allowing unauthorized access to system configuration data and user information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify or delete gallery configurations, access sensitive user data, or potentially escalate privileges within the wordpress environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as it allows for unauthorized data manipulation and information disclosure. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability provides a pathway to establish persistence within the wordpress installation and could serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the affected plugin is widely used and where administrative access could lead to broader system compromise. This vulnerability directly relates to attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of sql injection attacks, specifically targeting the privilege escalation and data extraction capabilities that such vulnerabilities provide.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1002014 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected wordpress plugin to version 1.5.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes for the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the vulnerable parameter. Input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before database processing occurs. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other wordpress plugins and themes. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls for administrative functions can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices to prevent sql injection vulnerabilities from being introduced into web applications. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and unauthorized administrative access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.