CVE-2024-56247 in WP Post Author Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/02/2025
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in AF themes WP Post Author allows SQL Injection.This issue affects WP Post Author: from n/a through 3.8.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56247 represents a critical SQL injection weakness within the AF themes WP Post Author plugin for WordPress systems. This flaw resides in the improper neutralization of special elements within SQL commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the WP Post Author plugin ranging from the initial release through version 3.8.2, indicating a prolonged exposure window that could have allowed extensive exploitation. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or encode user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate SQL command structures through crafted input parameters that are not adequately filtered or escaped. When user data is directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper sanitization, malicious payloads can alter the intended query logic, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper neutralization. The attack vector typically involves manipulating query parameters, form inputs, or URL parameters that are processed by the plugin's database interaction functions. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in input validation practices that violates secure coding principles established by industry standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges within the affected WordPress environment. Successful exploitation could enable unauthorized access to sensitive user information, including authentication credentials, personal data, and potentially administrative access to the WordPress dashboard. The affected plugin's integration with WordPress core systems means that exploitation could lead to broader system compromise, including the potential for persistent backdoor installation or lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract database contents, modify user accounts, or even gain complete control over the WordPress installation, making this a particularly dangerous weakness in the web application security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-56247 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, as this represents the most direct and effective remediation approach. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that enforce strict data type checking and sanitization protocols for all user-supplied inputs. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries serves as a fundamental defensive mechanism that prevents malicious SQL code from being executed within database operations. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Security configurations should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins or components of the WordPress ecosystem, following ATT&CK framework techniques for defensive cybersecurity practices. System administrators should also implement principle of least privilege access controls and regularly audit database access logs to detect anomalous activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.