CVE-2024-27956 in Automatic Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in ValvePress Automatic allows SQL Injection.This issue affects Automatic: from n/a through 3.92.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-27956 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ValvePress Automatic plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 3.92.0. This security weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the improper handling of input data that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious SQL commands. The vulnerability manifests when the Automatic plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL command structures, creating an exploitable pathway for database manipulation.
The technical implementation of this flaw enables attackers to inject malicious SQL code through input fields or parameters that are processed by the Automatic plugin. When user data is directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper validation or parameterization, an attacker can craft input that alters the intended query execution flow. This allows for unauthorized database access, data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core database interaction mechanisms within the plugin, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, bypass authentication, or gain complete control over the affected database system.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations utilizing the ValvePress Automatic plugin. Attackers can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the underlying database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing malicious actors to establish persistent backdoors or deploy additional malware. The affected version range suggests this vulnerability has existed for an extended period, potentially exposing numerous installations to attack without proper mitigation. Organizations using this plugin without adequate security measures face high risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences from unauthorized data access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27956 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, as recommended by the vendor. Implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries serves as the fundamental defense mechanism against SQL injection attacks, aligning with the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques for preventing command injection. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious SQL injection attempts, maintain regular database backups for rapid recovery, and implement least privilege access controls for database connections. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify proper input sanitization throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components.