CVE-2019-15872 in LoginPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The LoginPress plugin before 1.1.4 for WordPress has SQL injection via an import of settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2023
The CVE-2019-15872 vulnerability affects the LoginPress plugin for WordPress versions prior to 1.1.4, presenting a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized users to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database. This vulnerability specifically manifests during the settings import functionality of the plugin, where insufficient input validation and sanitization permits maliciously crafted data to be processed without proper security controls. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied data when handling import operations, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the category of SQL injection as defined by CWE-89, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws in the industry. When users attempt to import settings through the LoginPress plugin, the system processes the imported data without proper parameterization or input filtering, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user account. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-15872 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized access to user credentials, and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user passwords, personal data, and administrative credentials stored within the WordPress database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress remains one of the most widely used content management systems, with countless websites potentially vulnerable to this type of exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a technique for exploiting remote services, specifically targeting web applications through SQL injection methods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the LoginPress plugin to version 1.1.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection patterns, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring of import operations for suspicious activity. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected plugins or components within their WordPress installations, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security gaps in the application stack. The remediation process should also include reviewing and implementing proper access controls, database user privilege management, and regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.