CVE-2024-39620 in ListingPro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/29/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in CridioStudio ListingPro listingpro-plugin allows SQL Injection.This issue affects ListingPro: from n/a through <= 2.9.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-39620 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ListingPro plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions through 2.9.4. This weakness stems from inadequate sanitization of user inputs that are subsequently incorporated into SQL query constructions without proper neutralization of special elements. The vulnerability falls under the well-documented CWE-89 category, which classifies SQL injection as a severe input validation issue where attacker-controlled data is directly embedded into database queries. The affected CridioStudio ListingPro plugin creates an environment where malicious actors can manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL commands. This typically manifests when form inputs, URL parameters, or API calls containing user-provided content are directly concatenated into database query strings without appropriate sanitization measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious SQL fragments through various input vectors within the plugin's functionality, such as search parameters, filter options, or administrative interfaces. The vulnerability's impact extends to the entire database backend, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account used by the plugin.
The operational consequences of this SQL injection vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. Depending on the database user privileges, attackers may also gain the ability to modify or delete database records, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of the affected WordPress site. The vulnerability affects the plugin's core functionality, particularly its listing management and search capabilities, making it a prime target for exploitation. Given that this vulnerability affects a widely used WordPress plugin, the potential impact extends beyond individual sites to encompass numerous WordPress installations that may be running vulnerable versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-39620 should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of the latest plugin version where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in the future, aligning with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the ATT&CK framework's command and control techniques. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the plugin's database user account operates with minimal required privileges, following the principle of least privilege. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack, particularly focusing on the database interaction patterns that may expose similar attack surfaces.