CVE-2018-5988 in Flexible Poll
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in Flexible Poll 1.2 via the id parameter to mobile_preview.php or index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5988 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Flexible Poll plugin version 1.2, specifically affecting web applications that utilize the mobile_preview.php or index.php scripts. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter, which fails to properly sanitize or validate data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that can be executed by the underlying database system, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects wordpress installations where this specific plugin is deployed, making it a significant risk for websites that rely on poll functionality and user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's codebase. When the id parameter is passed to either mobile_preview.php or index.php, the application directly incorporates this value into sql query construction without adequate escaping or parameterization. This pattern violates fundamental secure coding principles and creates an avenue for attackers to manipulate the intended database operations. The vulnerability can be exploited through carefully crafted malicious input that alters the sql execution flow, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information from database tables, modify existing records, or even delete entire datasets. This type of injection vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5988 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access administrative functions, modify poll results, manipulate user data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the plugin is used for sensitive polling activities or where user-generated content is collected, as it could lead to manipulation of survey results or exposure of confidential information. Additionally, the vulnerability may be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting wordpress installations, making it a valuable entry point for threat actors seeking persistent access to web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5988 should prioritize immediate patching of the Flexible Poll plugin to version 1.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting database user permissions and implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other components of the web application stack. This vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy, particularly those involving data manipulation and information disclosure through injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation of known vulnerabilities and maintain compliance with industry security standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework.