CVE-2023-5437 in WP Fade in Text News Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2023
The WP fade in text news plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the plugin's shortcode in versions up to, and including, 12.0 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber-level and above permissions to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The WP fade in text news plugin for WordPress presents a critical SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5437 affecting versions up to and including 12.0. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's shortcode implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted user input. The flaw specifically manifests when the plugin processes parameters supplied through its shortcode functionality, where insufficient escaping allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that becomes part of the executed query structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated attack vectors where threat actors with subscriber-level privileges or higher can leverage the plugin's shortcode parameters to manipulate database operations. The root cause lies in the plugin's failure to properly prepare SQL queries using parameterized statements or adequate input sanitization techniques. This weakness enables attackers to append additional SQL clauses to existing queries, potentially extracting sensitive data from the WordPress database including user credentials, configuration settings, and other confidential information stored within the system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a fundamental weakness in software security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as authenticated attackers can potentially escalate their privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire WordPress installation since the plugin's shortcode functionality is designed to be accessible to various user roles. Attackers can construct malicious queries that bypass normal access controls and retrieve information that should remain protected, including potentially sensitive data from the WordPress database. This weakness represents a significant risk to WordPress installations that utilize this plugin, particularly in environments where subscriber accounts may be compromised or where the plugin is widely deployed across multiple sites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5437 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability through proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious SQL injection attempts targeting the affected plugin. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only necessary users have permissions to utilize the plugin's shortcode functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which covers data from information repositories. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes, while maintaining updated security practices that prevent improper SQL command handling and ensure proper database query preparation.