CVE-2017-9429 in Event List Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Event List plugin 0.7.8 for WordPress allows an authenticated user to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2025
The CVE-2017-9429 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Event List plugin version 078 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface of the plugin, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through improper input validation. The vulnerability exists within the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint where the id parameter is processed without adequate sanitization or parameterization, allowing malicious users to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user with sufficient privileges submits a crafted id parameter value that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices within the plugin's codebase, where user-supplied data flows directly into sql query construction without appropriate security controls such as prepared statements or proper input sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to wordpress installations using the affected Event List plugin version. An authenticated attacker with access to the administrative interface can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data manipulation, privilege escalation, or even complete database compromise. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the attacker could modify or delete critical event data, manipulate user permissions, or extract sensitive information from the database. This vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor for attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly interact with the database layer through the plugin's administrative interface.
The attack vector for CVE-2017-9429 aligns with the attack technique T10713 from the mitre att&ck framework, specifically targeting application layer vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to backend systems. Organizations running vulnerable wordpress installations face potential compromise through this vector, particularly in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised or where users have unnecessary administrative privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that a user with basic administrative privileges can exploit this weakness without requiring additional escalation techniques. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability when assessing the attack surface of wordpress environments, especially in scenarios where plugin security is not regularly audited or updated.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Event List plugin to version 079 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. Organizations should also implement proper access control measures to limit administrative privileges to only necessary users and establish monitoring for unusual administrative activities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities and regular security audits of wordpress plugins can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent sql injection attacks.