CVE-2024-30501 Overview
CVE-2024-30501 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the WPChill Download Monitor plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. All versions of Download Monitor up to and including 4.9.4 are affected. Exploitation requires high privileges but can be performed remotely over the network without user interaction. A successful attack allows an authenticated administrator-level actor to inject arbitrary SQL statements, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying WordPress database.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker with elevated WordPress privileges can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the database, exposing stored credentials, session tokens, and site content.
Affected Products
- WPChill Download Monitor versions up to and including 4.9.4
- WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin
- Sites where administrative accounts are shared or accessible to lower-trust operators
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-03-29 - CVE-2024-30501 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-30501
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in an administrative code path within the Download Monitor plugin. The plugin accepts input parameters and concatenates them into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers with administrator-level access can send crafted requests that manipulate the resulting SQL query structure. This enables data exfiltration, modification of database records, and potentially full compromise of the WordPress instance.
Because the vulnerability requires high privileges, the practical risk profile centers on scenarios where administrator accounts are held by lower-trust roles, in multi-tenant hosting environments, or where an attacker has already achieved partial compromise through credential theft or phishing. Chained with a privilege escalation or authentication bypass elsewhere in the stack, the flaw becomes significantly more dangerous.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input neutralization when constructing SQL statements. The plugin fails to use prepared statements or the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API for parameter binding. User-controlled input flows directly into query strings, allowing an attacker to break out of the intended query context.
Attack Vector
An authenticated administrator submits a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable admin endpoint exposed by the Download Monitor plugin. The malicious payload contains SQL metacharacters that alter query semantics. See the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for the technical breakdown.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available at this time, and no code examples have been verified from primary sources.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30501
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected UNION SELECT, SLEEP(), or information_schema references in web server access logs targeting /wp-admin/ endpoints associated with Download Monitor
- New or modified rows in wp_users and wp_usermeta tables that do not correspond to legitimate administrative activity
- Outbound database dumps or unusually large HTTP responses from admin pages
Detection Strategies
- Monitor WordPress audit logs for administrator-initiated requests to Download Monitor admin pages containing SQL syntax such as quotes, semicolons, and comment sequences
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) rule set that flags SQL injection patterns on authenticated admin routes
- Correlate WordPress plugin version inventory against the vulnerable range <= 4.9.4
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable MySQL general query logging temporarily on suspect hosts to capture anomalous query structures originating from the WordPress user
- Alert on privilege changes, new administrator accounts, and unexpected file writes under wp-content/
- Track outbound network traffic from the web tier for signs of data exfiltration following administrative sessions
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30501
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade WPChill Download Monitor to a version later than 4.9.4 as published by the vendor
- Audit all WordPress accounts holding the administrator role and remove unused or shared privileged accounts
- Rotate database credentials, WordPress secret keys, and administrator passwords if compromise is suspected
Patch Information
The vendor has addressed the issue in releases following 4.9.4. Review the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for the fixed version identifier and confirm the installed plugin version matches or exceeds the patched release.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin interface using network-level controls such as IP allowlisting or a VPN
- Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrator accounts to reduce the risk of privileged credential abuse
- Temporarily deactivate the Download Monitor plugin until the patched version is deployed if immediate upgrade is not feasible
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
