Arbitrary Database Configuration and Code Injection in WordPress
Summary
CVE-2011-4899: wp-admin/setup-config.php in the installation component in WordPress 3.3.1 and earlier does not ensure that the specified MySQL database service is appropriate, which allows remote attackers to configure an arbitrary dat... Affects wordpress versions 5.7.1+dfsg1-2 – 6.8.1+dfsg1-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
WordPress is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) used for creating websites and blogs. It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of plugins and themes to customize websites. However, WordPress versions 3.3.1 and earlier are vulnerable to an arbitrary database configuration and code injection vulnerability.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability exists in the installation component of WordPress, specifically in the wp-admin/setup-config.php file. This component fails to ensure that the specified MySQL database service is appropriate, allowing remote attackers to configure an arbitrary database by manipulating the dbhost and dbname parameters. This can lead to static code injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability through an HTTP request or a MySQL query.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading WordPress is not immediately possible, users can mitigate the risk by implementing the following workaround:
- Restrict access to the wp-admin/setup-config.php file to trusted IP addresses only.
- Regularly monitor the website for any suspicious activities or unauthorized database configurations.
- Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block potential attacks.
Conclusion
The arbitrary database configuration and code injection vulnerability in WordPress versions 3.3.1 and earlier can lead to serious security risks for websites using these versions. It is crucial to update WordPress to the latest stable release and implement security measures to protect against potential attacks. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for wordpress →
FAQ
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to configure an arbitrary database and conduct static code injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. The impact can range from unauthorized access to sensitive information to complete compromise of the affected website.
WordPress versions 3.3.1 and earlier are affected by this vulnerability. It is recommended to upgrade to the latest stable release to mitigate the risk.
Yes, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication. Attackers can manipulate the dbhost and dbname parameters to configure an arbitrary database and execute malicious code.
Yes, there are known public exploits for this vulnerability. Attackers can use these exploits to target vulnerable WordPress installations.
Yes, the WordPress development team has released patches for this vulnerability in later versions. It is strongly recommended to update WordPress to the latest stable release.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for wordpress.
