CVE-2024-49609 in Author Discussion Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Brandon White Author Discussion author-discussion allows Blind SQL Injection.This issue affects Author Discussion: from n/a through <= 0.2.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49609 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Author Discussion plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through version 0.2.2. This weakness stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly neutralize special characters and control sequences within SQL command structures. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields, enabling attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially execute unauthorized operations. The affected plugin appears to process user-provided data without sufficient validation or escaping, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise the underlying database infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables blind SQL injection attacks that allow attackers to infer database structure and content through response timing variations or conditional responses. This form of injection operates without direct output of database contents, making detection more challenging while still providing attackers with sufficient information to map database schemas, extract user credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability particularly affects the author discussion functionality where user-generated content might be processed through SQL queries, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the plugin's database interactions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the affected WordPress installation.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a direct threat to web application security and database integrity, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this affects a plugin that likely handles user interactions and comments, making it accessible through normal user operations. Mitigation strategies should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the WordPress application uses minimal privilege accounts with restricted database permissions, preventing potential escalation of privileges through database manipulation. Organizations should also implement regular security audits of installed plugins and themes to identify similar vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw commonly occurs in poorly validated user input handling scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the potential consequences of inadequate security measures in web application development.