CVE-2023-5466 in WP Anything Slider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2023
The Wp anything slider plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the plugin's shortcode in versions up to, and including, 9.1 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-2023-5466 vulnerability affects the Wp anything slider plugin for WordPress, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that compromises database security. This vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 9.1, making it a widespread concern for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization within the plugin's shortcode functionality, which processes user-supplied parameters without proper escaping mechanisms. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of shortcode parameters, where the data flows directly into SQL queries without appropriate preparation or validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers who possess subscriber-level permissions or higher to manipulate the plugin's behavior through crafted shortcode inputs. When a user with sufficient privileges submits a malicious shortcode parameter, the vulnerability permits the injection of additional SQL commands into existing database queries. This occurs because the plugin fails to employ proper parameterized queries or adequate escaping techniques when incorporating user input into database operations. The lack of input validation creates a direct pathway for attackers to construct malicious SQL statements that execute alongside the original queries, potentially extracting sensitive information from the WordPress database.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations that rely on the Wp anything slider plugin. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access confidential data including user credentials, personal information, and potentially administrative details stored within the database. The requirement for only subscriber-level permissions reduces the barrier to exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who have legitimate access to the WordPress site. The impact extends beyond simple data extraction, as attackers could potentially modify database contents or escalate their privileges within the compromised system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent user input from directly influencing database query construction.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-5466 requires immediate action from WordPress administrators to update the Wp anything slider plugin to the latest version where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for unusual shortcode usage patterns and reviewing user permissions to ensure only authorized personnel have access to plugin functionality. Network-based intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts by monitoring for SQL injection patterns in database traffic. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts targeting known vulnerable plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten security framework, emphasizing that all user-supplied data must be treated as potentially malicious and properly sanitized before database interaction. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of this plugin across their WordPress installations and ensure that all affected systems are promptly updated to prevent exploitation.