CNVD-2014-05543 Scanner

The WordPress Like Dislike Counter Plugin is widely used by bloggers and website owners to add a like/dislike feature to their content. It allows user interaction with posts, pages, and comments, enhancing user engagement. Developed for platforms supporting PHP and MySQL, this plugin is integrated into WordPress, a popular content management system. Users employ this plugin to gather feedback on their content, improving the overall website experience. It is favored for its ease of installation and customization options. However, like any third-party plugin, it can pose security risks if not regularly updated.

SQL Injection is a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate database queries. It involves inserting malicious SQL code into input fields, which can be executed by the database. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized data access or modification. The SQL Injection in the WordPress Like Dislike Counter Plugin is due to the lack of input validation in ajax_counter.php. Attackers can exploit this flaw by inserting malicious code in the plugin's endpoint. By gaining access, attackers can potentially access sensitive data, modify existing data, or disrupt services.

Technical details of this SQL Injection vulnerability are focused on the ajax_counter.php endpoint. This endpoint allows post requests with parameters that are not properly sanitized. Attackers can use these unsanitized inputs to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability lies in the code's failure to filter special characters and query keywords. By exploiting these inputs, attackers can conduct union-based SQL Injection attacks. These attacks are characterized by the execution of unauthorized SQL commands, which can reveal or compromise data in the database.

When malicious actors exploit the SQL Injection vulnerability, they can achieve unauthorized access to the database. This access enables them to view, alter, or delete sensitive information. Such activities can lead to data breaches and disrupt the integrity of the database. Moreover, attackers might use this access to install backdoors or execute further malicious actions. The potential for data theft and site disruption poses a significant security risk for affected websites. Organizations relying on the plugin may face reputational damage and financial losses as a result.