CVE-2023-54333 Overview
Social-Share-Buttons 2.2.3 contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability in the project_id parameter that allows attackers to manipulate database queries. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted POST requests with malicious SQL payloads to retrieve and potentially steal entire database contents. This WordPress plugin vulnerability exposes websites to complete database compromise through a network-accessible attack vector.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can exfiltrate sensitive data including user credentials, personal information, and other confidential database contents through SQL injection attacks targeting the project_id parameter.
Affected Products
- Social-Share-Buttons version 2.2.3
- WordPress installations using Social-Share-Buttons by Supsystic
- Web applications utilizing the vulnerable plugin component
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-13 - CVE CVE-2023-54333 published to NVD
- 2026-01-13 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-54333
Vulnerability Analysis
This SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-89) affects the Social-Share-Buttons WordPress plugin version 2.2.3, specifically within the handling of the project_id parameter. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands through maliciously crafted POST requests. Due to insufficient input validation and lack of parameterized queries, user-supplied data is directly concatenated into SQL statements, enabling attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring any user interaction or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations. Successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to read sensitive database contents, including user credentials, session tokens, and other confidential information stored within the WordPress database.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation and the absence of parameterized queries or prepared statements when processing the project_id parameter. The plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries, violating secure coding practices outlined in CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). This allows attackers to escape the intended query context and inject malicious SQL syntax.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploited through network-based attacks where adversaries send specially crafted HTTP POST requests to the vulnerable endpoint. The project_id parameter accepts unsanitized input that is passed directly to database queries. Attackers can inject SQL commands such as UNION-based payloads or time-based blind injection techniques to extract data from the database. The attack does not require authentication, making any WordPress site running the vulnerable plugin version susceptible to compromise.
Technical details and proof-of-concept information are available through the GitHub PoC Repository and Exploit-DB #51116. Additional vulnerability information can be found in the VulnCheck Security Advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-54333
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual database query patterns containing SQL injection signatures such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, or comment sequences (--, /*)
- POST requests to Social-Share-Buttons plugin endpoints with abnormally long or malformed project_id values
- Web server logs showing repeated requests with encoded SQL syntax in parameter values
- Database audit logs indicating unauthorized data access or bulk data retrieval operations
Detection Strategies
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns in the project_id parameter
- Implement real-time log analysis to identify POST requests containing common SQL injection payloads
- Enable database query logging and monitor for anomalous SELECT statements with UNION or subquery patterns
- Utilize intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for WordPress plugin exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on WordPress installations to capture all plugin-related requests
- Monitor database connections for unexpected query complexity or data exfiltration patterns
- Configure alerting for multiple failed or unusual requests targeting Social-Share-Buttons endpoints
- Implement network traffic analysis to detect outbound data transfers following potential exploitation
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-54333
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Social-Share-Buttons plugin to the latest patched version immediately
- If updates are unavailable, disable or remove the Social-Share-Buttons plugin from WordPress installations
- Review database access logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts
- Consider resetting database credentials and rotating sensitive tokens as a precautionary measure
Patch Information
Administrators should check the Supsystic Plugin Information page for official updates addressing this vulnerability. Until a patch is available, the plugin should be deactivated on production systems. Review the VulnCheck Security Advisory for vendor response details and remediation guidance.
Workarounds
- Implement WAF rules to filter and block requests containing SQL injection patterns in the project_id parameter
- Restrict access to WordPress admin interfaces and plugin endpoints through IP whitelisting
- Temporarily disable the Social-Share-Buttons plugin until an official patch is released
- Apply input validation at the web server level using ModSecurity or similar security modules
Administrators should consult the official vendor resources for updates and implement defense-in-depth strategies to protect WordPress installations from SQL injection attacks targeting this vulnerable component.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
