CVE-2023-5464 in Jquery Accordion Slideshow Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2023
The Jquery accordion slideshow plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the plugin's shortcode in versions up to, and including, 8.1 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 CVE-2023-5464 vulnerability affects the jQuery Accordion Slideshow plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 8.1, presenting a critical SQL injection weakness that compromises database security. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization within the plugin's shortcode implementation, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors who possess subscriber-level privileges or higher. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameterization in database query construction, allowing attackers to manipulate existing SQL statements through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the plugin's shortcode functionality where user-supplied parameters are not adequately escaped or validated before being incorporated into database queries. This insufficient escaping creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets appended to existing queries rather than being properly isolated. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only subscriber-level permissions to exploit, making it accessible to users who typically have limited capabilities within WordPress systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information from the database, potentially including user credentials, personal data, and other confidential system information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to WordPress installations using the affected plugin, as it provides authenticated attackers with the ability to perform unauthorized data extraction without requiring administrative privileges. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted data could enable further attacks such as credential stuffing, identity theft, or lateral movement within compromised systems. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89 SQL Injection, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1213.002 Access Data: Web Shell, as the vulnerability enables unauthorized database access through web-based interfaces.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, as well as implementing additional security measures such as input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security audits. Administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, which are consistently ranked among the top security risks in the OWASP Top Ten. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other plugins or components that may be susceptible to similar weaknesses, ensuring a holistic approach to WordPress security maintenance and risk management.