CVE-2024-31260: Edwiser Bridge SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2024-31260 Overview

CVE-2024-31260 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the WisdmLabs Edwiser Bridge plugin for WordPress. The plugin integrates WordPress sites with Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) installations. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 3.0.2. It stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in a Structured Query Language (SQL) command [CWE-89]. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can inject arbitrary SQL statements against the backend database. Successful exploitation compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying WordPress database.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract, modify, or delete arbitrary data in the WordPress database backing the Edwiser Bridge plugin.

Affected Products

WisdmLabs Edwiser Bridge WordPress plugin versions up to and including 3.0.2
WordPress sites integrating with Moodle LMS via Edwiser Bridge
Deployments matching cpe:2.3:a:wisdmlabs:edwiser_bridge:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*

Discovery Timeline

2024-04-07 - CVE-2024-31260 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-31260

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a SQL Injection flaw in the Edwiser Bridge plugin, which synchronizes users, courses, and enrollments between WordPress and Moodle. The plugin fails to properly sanitize or parameterize user-supplied input before including it in SQL queries executed against the WordPress database. An attacker with high privileges on the WordPress instance can submit crafted input that alters the structure of database queries. This yields direct read and write access to database contents, including user records, session tokens, and course data. The network attack vector and lack of user interaction lower the operational burden on the attacker once credentials are obtained.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands [CWE-89]. Input received through plugin request handlers is concatenated into SQL statements without safe parameter binding through the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API. Special characters such as single quotes, comments, and stacked query delimiters are passed through unchanged.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires an authenticated session with high-privilege access to the Edwiser Bridge administrative functionality. The attacker submits crafted parameters to a vulnerable plugin endpoint over HTTP or HTTPS. The injected payload modifies the intended query, enabling data exfiltration through UNION-based, error-based, or time-based blind injection techniques. Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for further technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-31260

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual outbound queries or slow-response HTTP requests targeting Edwiser Bridge plugin endpoints under /wp-admin/ or /wp-content/plugins/edwiser-bridge/.
Presence of SQL meta-characters such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, --, or /* in WordPress access logs against plugin routes.
Unexpected wp_users, wp_usermeta, or plugin table modifications made by administrative accounts.

Detection Strategies

Inspect WordPress and web server access logs for injection patterns targeting Edwiser Bridge AJAX actions and REST endpoints.
Enable query logging on MySQL or MariaDB and correlate anomalous queries to WordPress plugin request timestamps.
Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection signatures tuned for WordPress plugin request parameters.

Monitoring Recommendations

Alert on administrative sessions that generate high volumes of database queries within short intervals.
Track privileged account behavior in WordPress and flag unexpected access to the Edwiser Bridge plugin admin pages.
Baseline normal plugin traffic patterns and alert on deviations, particularly requests containing encoded SQL syntax.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-31260

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Edwiser Bridge to a version later than 3.0.2 as published by WisdmLabs.
Restrict administrative access to the WordPress instance and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all high-privilege accounts.
Audit existing administrator and editor accounts for unauthorized changes or unfamiliar users.

Patch Information

WisdmLabs addressed the vulnerability in versions released after 3.0.2. Consult the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for the fixed release version and vendor advisory details. Apply the update through the WordPress plugin manager or by replacing the plugin files with the patched release.

Workarounds

Temporarily deactivate the Edwiser Bridge plugin until the patched version can be installed.
Place the WordPress admin interface behind IP allow-listing or a VPN to reduce exposure to authenticated attackers.
Deploy WAF rules that block SQL meta-characters in request parameters directed at the Edwiser Bridge plugin paths.

bash

# Configuration example: restrict wp-admin by IP using Apache .htaccess
<Directory "/var/www/html/wp-admin">
    Require ip 203.0.113.0/24
    Require ip 198.51.100.42
</Directory>