CVE-2024-24868 Overview
CVE-2024-24868 is a SQL Injection vulnerability [CWE-89] in the Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager plugin for WordPress. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 4.69. An authenticated attacker with contributor-level privileges can inject malicious SQL statements through unsanitized input parameters. Successful exploitation allows attackers to read, modify, or delete database records, including WordPress user credentials and site configuration data.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers with low privileges can compromise database confidentiality, integrity, and availability across affected WordPress sites running SP Project & Document Manager 4.69 or earlier.
Affected Products
- Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager plugin for WordPress
- All versions from n/a through 4.69
- WordPress installations with the plugin activated
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-02-28 - CVE-2024-24868 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-24868
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands within the SP Project & Document Manager plugin. User-supplied input reaches SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. Attackers authenticated as contributors or higher can inject arbitrary SQL fragments into database queries executed by the plugin.
The issue is classified under CWE-89, Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. Exploitation requires network access and low privileges but no user interaction. The EPSS score is 0.544% at the 42.7 percentile.
Root Cause
The plugin constructs SQL statements by concatenating request parameters directly into queries. WordPress provides the $wpdb->prepare() API for safe parameter binding, but the affected code paths bypass this protection. Input from contributor-accessible endpoints flows into database queries without escaping or type enforcement.
Attack Vector
An attacker authenticated with a contributor role sends crafted requests to plugin endpoints. The malicious payload contains SQL syntax that alters the intended query structure. The database executes the injected statements, returning arbitrary data or performing unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability manifests through plugin request handlers. See the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for parameter-level technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-24868
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected SQL syntax patterns such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA in WordPress access logs targeting plugin endpoints
- Contributor-role accounts issuing high volumes of POST or GET requests to SP Project & Document Manager paths
- Anomalous read access to the wp_users or wp_usermeta tables originating from plugin request handlers
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that flag SQL metacharacters in requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php and plugin-specific endpoints
- Enable MySQL general query logging temporarily to review queries generated by the plugin for concatenated user input
- Correlate WordPress authentication events with plugin API calls to identify contributor accounts performing database reconnaissance
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on WordPress error log entries containing mysql_error or wpdb::query failures tied to plugin file paths
- Monitor for privilege changes or new administrator accounts created shortly after contributor logins
- Track outbound data volumes from the WordPress host to detect bulk database exfiltration
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-24868
Immediate Actions Required
- Update SP Project & Document Manager to a version released after 4.69 that addresses the SQL injection flaw
- Audit all contributor and higher-privileged accounts and remove inactive or unnecessary users
- Review WordPress and database logs for indicators of prior exploitation across the vulnerable window
Patch Information
Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for the vendor-supplied fix and update guidance. Apply the patched plugin release through the WordPress plugin management console.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the SP Project & Document Manager plugin until a patched version is installed
- Restrict contributor account creation and require administrator approval for new user registrations
- Deploy a WordPress-aware WAF with signatures for SQL injection targeting plugin endpoints
# Disable the plugin via WP-CLI until patched
wp plugin deactivate sp-client-document-manager
# Verify the installed plugin version
wp plugin get sp-client-document-manager --field=version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
