CVE-2017-20244 in Wow Forms
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2026
Wow Forms WordPress Plugin version 2.1 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary database information by exploiting an unescaped POST parameter. Attackers can inject SQL code through the 'mwpformid' parameter in requests to the admin-ajax.php endpoint with the 'send_mwp_form' action to extract sensitive database contents.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2026
The Wow Forms WordPress plugin version 2.1 contains a critical sql injection vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for wordpress installations. this vulnerability resides in the admin-ajax.php endpoint and specifically targets the 'mwpformid' parameter within requests using the 'send_mwp_form' action. the flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. the vulnerability classification aligns with cwe-89 sql injection, which is consistently ranked among the top ten web application security risks by owasp. attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible wordpress sites. the attack vector specifically targets the plugin's handling of form identifiers, where the 'mwpformid' parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. this allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. the impact extends beyond simple data exfiltration as this vulnerability can serve as a foothold for further exploitation within the wordpress environment. the vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and violates fundamental security principles outlined in the owasp top ten 2017 and 2021, particularly concerning the improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. organizations using this plugin version face substantial risk of data breaches and potential system compromise. the attack scenario involves sending crafted post requests to the admin-ajax.php endpoint with malicious sql payloads embedded within the mwpformid parameter, enabling unauthorized database access. this vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of wordpress installations and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. the exploitation process typically involves crafting sql injection payloads that can bypass standard security measures and extract information from database tables. security researchers have identified that this vulnerability can be leveraged to enumerate database schemas, extract user accounts, and potentially escalate privileges within the wordpress environment. the issue particularly impacts wordpress sites that rely on form processing capabilities and do not implement additional protective measures such as web application firewalls or input validation layers. organizations should consider implementing immediate mitigations including plugin updates, input validation restrictions, and monitoring for suspicious database access patterns. the vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper parameterized queries and input sanitization as recommended by the software engineering institute's secure coding guidelines and the mitre attack framework's initial access tactics. patch management becomes critical as this vulnerability could be exploited by automated scanning tools and script kiddies seeking to compromise wordpress installations. the technical flaw represents a failure in the principle of input validation and demonstrates how seemingly simple parameters can create substantial security risks when not properly secured against malicious input. organizations should conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to identify affected systems and implement compensating controls while awaiting official patches from the plugin developers. the exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete database compromise and may enable attackers to establish persistent access within wordpress environments, making it a high priority remediation item according to nist cybersecurity framework guidelines.