CVE-2024-1501 in Database Reset Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2024
The Database Reset plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 3.22. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the install_wpr() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to install the WP Reset Plugin via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1501 affects the Database Reset plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool for database management and reset operations within the WordPress ecosystem. This plugin serves as a critical component for administrators managing WordPress sites, providing functionality to reset databases to default states or perform various maintenance operations. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.22, making it a persistent threat across a significant portion of the plugin's user base. The issue stems from inadequate security controls within the plugin's codebase, specifically targeting the install_wpr() function which handles the installation process of the WP Reset Plugin.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of proper nonce validation within the install_wpr() function, which represents a fundamental security oversight in the plugin's architecture. Nonces, or number used once, serve as critical security tokens that verify the authenticity of requests and prevent unauthorized operations. In this case, the lack of nonce validation creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can forge requests to install the plugin without proper authorization. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-352, Cross-Site Request Forgery, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications. The absence of proper validation mechanisms allows attackers to bypass the normal authentication and authorization processes that should prevent unauthorized installations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe as it enables unauthenticated attackers to install the WP Reset Plugin through forged requests. This creates a significant risk for WordPress administrators who may be tricked into performing actions such as clicking on malicious links, thereby inadvertently executing the forged installation requests. The attack vector relies on social engineering techniques where administrators are lured into clicking on compromised links, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where administrators may not be fully aware of the security implications. Once installed, the WP Reset Plugin could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to database operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves executing commands through the command and scripting interpreter, as the installed plugin could be used to execute malicious database operations.
The security implications extend beyond simple plugin installation, as the WP Reset Plugin typically provides access to critical database management functions that could be exploited for data manipulation, privilege escalation, or system compromise. Attackers could leverage the installed plugin to reset databases, potentially destroying valuable data or creating backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be targeted at administrators with varying levels of security awareness. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this plugin face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, especially in environments where administrators are not adequately trained in recognizing social engineering attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and security token implementation in web applications, as highlighted by industry standards and best practices for secure coding practices.