CVE-2023-5439 in WP Photo Text Slider 50 Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2023
The Wp photo text slider 50 plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the plugin's shortcode in versions up to, and including, 8.0 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 photo text slider 50 plugin for wordpress represents a widely used content management system component that facilitates the display of image galleries with accompanying text overlays. This particular plugin version 8.0 and earlier contains a critical security flaw that compromises the integrity of the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability manifests through the plugin's shortcode functionality which processes user-supplied parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. Attackers exploiting this weakness can manipulate the plugin's behavior by injecting malicious sql commands through the shortcode interface.
The technical flaw resides in the plugin's failure to properly escape user-provided parameters before incorporating them into sql queries. This represents a classic sql injection vulnerability that falls under the common weakness enumeration category 89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The vulnerability occurs because the plugin does not employ parameterized queries or sufficient input sanitization techniques to prevent malicious sql code from being executed within the existing database query structure. When authenticated users with subscriber level permissions or higher access the plugin's shortcode functionality, they can leverage this weakness to append additional sql commands to the original query.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive database reconnaissance and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Authenticated attackers can extract user credentials, personal data, configuration settings, and other confidential information stored within the wordpress database. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by users who already have basic access to the wordpress installation. This weakness enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate their privileges within the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the wp photo text slider 50 plugin to version 8.1 or later, which addresses the sql injection flaw through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts targeting known vulnerable patterns. Additional defensive measures include restricting plugin access permissions for low-privilege users, implementing database query monitoring to detect unusual sql activity, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of sql injection attacks, specifically targeting wordpress installations through plugin vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for plugin functionality and regularly updating all wordpress components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.