CVE-2024-3265 in Advanced Search Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/26/2024
The Advanced Search WordPress plugin through 1.1.6 does not properly escape parameters appended to an SQL query, making it possible for users with the administrator role to conduct SQL Injection attacks in the context of a multisite WordPress configurations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3265 affects the Advanced Search WordPress plugin version 1.1.6 and earlier, presenting a critical SQL injection flaw that specifically impacts multisite WordPress configurations. This vulnerability stems from improper parameter escaping within SQL query construction, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires only administrator-level privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who already possess elevated permissions within the WordPress environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the plugin processes search parameters in multisite environments, where user input is directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. This insecure coding practice allows an attacker to manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious payloads through search parameters, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying database contents, or even escalating privileges within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability specifically targets the advanced search functionality, which is commonly used in enterprise environments where multisite configurations are prevalent.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access within the WordPress ecosystem. The multisite configuration aspect amplifies the potential damage since a successful exploitation could affect multiple sites within a single WordPress network, potentially compromising numerous websites under a single administrative account. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in hosting environments or managed WordPress services where multiple clients share the same infrastructure. The attacker could leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, modify content, or even deploy malicious code across affected sites.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, and represents a classic SQL injection attack vector that can be exploited through the Advanced Search plugin's search functionality. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts for initial access and T1566 Phishing for initial compromise, while also supporting T1005 Data from Local System and T1041 Exfiltration Over C2 Channel for post-exploitation activities. Organizations should immediately update to the patched version of the Advanced Search plugin, implement network monitoring to detect suspicious SQL query patterns, and conduct comprehensive security assessments of their multisite WordPress installations. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, parameterized queries, and role-based access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.