CVE-2024-12404 Overview
CVE-2024-12404 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the CF Internal Link Shortcode plugin for WordPress. The flaw affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.1.0. It stems from insufficient escaping of the post_title parameter and lack of proper preparation on the underlying SQL query. Unauthenticated attackers can append additional SQL statements to existing queries and extract sensitive data from the WordPress database. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can extract sensitive information from the WordPress database through crafted post_title values, including user credentials, session tokens, and configuration secrets.
Affected Products
- CF Internal Link Shortcode plugin for WordPress, all versions through 1.1.0
- WordPress sites with the internal-link-shortcode plugin installed and active
- Any WordPress deployment using the vulnerable shortcode handler in internal-link-shortcode.php
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-11 - CVE-2024-12404 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-12404
Vulnerability Analysis
The CF Internal Link Shortcode plugin exposes a shortcode handler that queries the WordPress database using a user-controlled post_title parameter. The plugin concatenates this parameter directly into a SQL query without using $wpdb->prepare() or sanitization functions such as esc_sql(). An attacker who can submit content rendered by the shortcode can break out of the intended query context and append arbitrary SQL.
The vulnerability does not require authentication, and exploitation occurs over the network with low attack complexity. Successful exploitation allows confidentiality impact through database content disclosure, including WordPress user hashes stored in wp_users and secrets stored in wp_options.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of SQL syntax elements in the plugin's shortcode handler at approximately line 82 of internal-link-shortcode.php. WordPress provides $wpdb->prepare() with placeholder substitution to safely bind parameters into SQL statements. The plugin omits this step, treating attacker-controlled input as trusted SQL fragments. See the WordPress Plugin Code Reference for the affected source.
Attack Vector
An unauthenticated attacker supplies a malicious post_title value that contains SQL metacharacters and additional clauses such as UNION SELECT. When the shortcode handler executes, the injected SQL is appended to the existing query and runs against the WordPress database. The attacker exfiltrates data through the rendered shortcode output or through error-based and time-based extraction techniques. Refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-12404
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to WordPress endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as UNION, SELECT, SLEEP(, --, or 0x within post_title values
- Web server access logs showing unusually long query strings or POST bodies targeting pages that render the internal-link-shortcode shortcode
- Database error messages referencing wpdb syntax errors that correlate with anonymous front-end requests
- Unexpected outbound traffic from the web server immediately following suspicious shortcode requests
Detection Strategies
- Deploy a web application firewall ruleset that inspects request parameters for SQL injection patterns targeting WordPress shortcode handlers
- Enable MySQL or MariaDB general query logging temporarily and audit queries originating from the internal-link-shortcode plugin path
- Inventory installed WordPress plugins and flag any host running internal-link-shortcode at version 1.1.0 or earlier
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress, web server, and database logs to a centralized analytics platform and alert on SQL keywords in request parameters
- Monitor for new or modified administrator accounts in wp_users following any suspicious request activity
- Track outbound HTTP and DNS traffic from the WordPress host for signs of data staging or out-of-band SQL injection exfiltration
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-12404
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the CF Internal Link Shortcode plugin until a patched version is confirmed installed
- Audit WordPress user accounts, application passwords, and API keys, and rotate any credentials that may have been exposed
- Restrict access to the WordPress site at the network or WAF layer while remediation is in progress
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no fixed version beyond 1.1.0 is referenced in the available advisory data. Site operators should monitor the Wordfence Vulnerability Report and the WordPress plugin repository for an updated release, then upgrade promptly when one is published.
Workarounds
- Uninstall the internal-link-shortcode plugin if a patched version is unavailable
- Deploy WAF rules that block SQL injection payloads targeting WordPress front-end requests, particularly those carrying shortcode parameters
- Apply database-level least privilege so the WordPress database user cannot read tables outside the WordPress schema
- Disable the affected shortcode in theme templates and content until the plugin is replaced or updated
# Disable and remove the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate internal-link-shortcode
wp plugin uninstall internal-link-shortcode
# Verify the plugin is no longer present
wp plugin list --status=active | grep internal-link-shortcode
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
