CVE-2022-4049 in WP User Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/03/2023
The WP User WordPress plugin through 7.0 does not properly sanitize and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement, leading to a SQL injection exploitable by unauthenticated users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4049 affects the WP User WordPress plugin version 7.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk that stems from improper input validation within the plugin's database interaction mechanisms. This flaw exists in the plugin's handling of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or escaping measures. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's authentication and authorization processes, where user data is processed through database operations that fail to properly validate incoming data before execution. The issue creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user information and system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when unauthenticated attackers send specially crafted requests to the WordPress site that utilize the vulnerable plugin functionality. The plugin fails to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code into database operations. This lack of proper data validation creates a classic SQL injection attack vector where malicious input can alter the intended behavior of SQL statements and potentially execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication to exploit, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the affected WordPress site. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and represents a failure in proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure coding standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, modify database contents, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. Successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of user credentials, personal information disclosure, and unauthorized modification of website content. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user data stored within the WordPress database, potentially exposing sensitive information including user login details, personal profiles, and other confidential data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform data exfiltration, modify user permissions, or even establish persistent access through compromised user accounts, making it a significant threat to website security and user privacy. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principles of secure software development and can result in regulatory compliance violations under data protection frameworks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version of the WP User plugin, applying the latest security updates, and implementing additional defensive measures such as web application firewalls and database query monitoring. The recommended approach involves ensuring that all user input is properly sanitized and escaped before database operations, implementing parameterized queries, and conducting regular security assessments of third-party plugins. Security teams should also monitor database logs for suspicious activity and implement proper access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust security practices throughout the application lifecycle, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar issues in other components of their web applications and ensure comprehensive protection against SQL injection attacks.