CVE-2017-1002028 in wordpress-gallery-transformation
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in wordpress plugin wordpress-gallery-transformation v1.0, SQL injection is in ./wordpress-gallery-transformation/gallery.php via $jpic parameter being unsanitized before being passed into an SQL query.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1002028 resides within the wordpress-gallery-transformation plugin version 1.0, representing a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress installations to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of user input within the gallery.php file, where the $jpic parameter is processed without proper sanitization before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw constitutes a classic SQL injection vulnerability that allows malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's codebase. When the $jpic parameter is received from user input, it undergoes no filtering or escaping before being directly concatenated into SQL query strings. This design flaw enables attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can alter the intended query execution flow, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive database information, modify existing records, or even delete entire database tables. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the database communication mechanisms that WordPress uses to manage media gallery content through the affected plugin.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress site administrators and their users. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to all data stored within the WordPress database, including user credentials, personal information, and potentially the entire website content. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential privilege escalation and persistent backdoor installation. According to CWE-89 standards, this represents a direct SQL injection vulnerability that lacks proper input validation controls, making it particularly dangerous for systems where the database contains sensitive user information or administrative credentials.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized database access, potentially leading to further system compromise through credential theft or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when the affected WordPress installation operates with elevated database privileges, as attackers could then execute more destructive operations such as data modification or complete system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates or complete removal from affected systems. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in custom code implementations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database query monitoring can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected plugins or components and ensure that all WordPress installations maintain current security patches. The remediation process must include thorough testing to verify that the vulnerability has been fully addressed without introducing new operational issues or breaking existing functionality.