CVE-2024-43976 in Super Store Finder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in highwarden Super Store Finder superstorefinder-wp.This issue affects Super Store Finder: from n/a through <= 6.9.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-43976 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the highwarden Super Store Finder WordPress plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through version 6.9.7. This security weakness resides in the plugin's improper handling of special elements within SQL commands, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly neutralize potentially harmful characters and sequences that could alter the intended structure of SQL statements. Such weaknesses are particularly dangerous in web applications where user input directly influences database operations, as they can enable attackers to execute unauthorized commands against the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization before incorporating them into SQL query constructions. Attackers can exploit this flaw by injecting malicious SQL fragments through input fields or parameters that are subsequently processed by the plugin's database interaction routines. This allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations, potentially leading to complete database compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection conditions where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper neutralization. The attack surface is further expanded through the ATT&CK framework's technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, where adversaries leverage such injection flaws to manipulate backend database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the affected WordPress environment. Successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the WordPress installation, allowing adversaries to install malicious plugins, modify existing content, or establish persistent backdoors. The affected Super Store Finder plugin, being a store locator solution, handles sensitive business data including location information, contact details, and potentially customer records, making the potential damage substantial. Organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's input handling architecture that requires immediate attention and remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-43976 should prioritize immediate patching of the Super Store Finder plugin to version 6.9.8 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization and database parameterization techniques. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when configuring database connections, limiting the permissions of the application's database user accounts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins or custom code components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining proper audit logging to track all database interactions for forensic analysis purposes.