CVE-2024-39622: Cridio Listingpro SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2024-39622 Overview

CVE-2024-39622 is a critical SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the ListingPro WordPress theme developed by CridioStudio. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL commands into the application, potentially leading to complete database compromise, unauthorized data access, data modification, or deletion.

The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands within the ListingPro theme. Since the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, any WordPress site running vulnerable versions of ListingPro is at significant risk of compromise from remote attackers.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL Injection vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or potentially gain complete control over the WordPress installation.

Affected Products

• CridioStudio ListingPro WordPress Theme versions through 2.9.4

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-08-29 - CVE-2024-39622 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-39622

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability exists in the ListingPro WordPress theme due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data before it is incorporated into SQL queries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).

The attack can be carried out remotely over the network with no authentication required and no user interaction needed. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as attackers can automate exploitation against vulnerable WordPress installations. Successful exploitation grants attackers direct access to the underlying database, enabling them to read, modify, or delete data, potentially including user credentials, personal information, and site configuration.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-39622 lies in the ListingPro theme's failure to properly sanitize and validate user input before incorporating it into database queries. When user-controlled data is concatenated directly into SQL statements without proper escaping or parameterized queries, attackers can inject malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query logic.

WordPress provides built-in functions such as $wpdb->prepare() for safe database interactions, but the vulnerable code paths in ListingPro bypass these security mechanisms, directly embedding untrusted input into SQL queries.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted over the network against WordPress installations running vulnerable ListingPro theme versions. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads targeting the vulnerable input fields or parameters within the theme. Since no authentication is required, attackers can exploit this vulnerability anonymously.

Typical attack scenarios include:

• Extracting sensitive database contents including user credentials and personal data
• Modifying or deleting database records
• Bypassing authentication mechanisms
• In some configurations, achieving remote code execution through database features

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-39622

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database queries containing SQL injection patterns such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, or encoded SQL syntax in web server logs
• Unexpected database errors or exceptions appearing in WordPress debug logs
• Evidence of data exfiltration or unauthorized database modifications
• Anomalous HTTP requests with SQL metacharacters targeting ListingPro theme endpoints

Detection Strategies

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection detection rules to identify and block malicious requests
• Monitor WordPress and web server access logs for requests containing SQL injection signatures
• Implement database activity monitoring to detect unusual query patterns or unauthorized data access
• Use WordPress security plugins that scan for known vulnerabilities in themes and plugins

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for all database queries and web server requests
• Set up alerts for error conditions related to database operations
• Regularly audit database access logs for signs of unauthorized queries or data extraction
• Monitor for unexpected changes to database tables, especially user accounts and permissions

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-39622

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all WordPress installations running ListingPro theme versions 2.9.4 or earlier
• Update the ListingPro theme to the latest patched version immediately
• If updates are not immediately available, consider temporarily disabling the theme and switching to a default WordPress theme
• Review database logs for signs of prior exploitation and conduct forensic analysis if compromise is suspected

Patch Information

Site administrators should update the ListingPro theme to a version newer than 2.9.4. Check the official CridioStudio channels or the WordPress theme marketplace for the latest security updates. Additional information is available through the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious SQL injection attempts before they reach the application
• Restrict access to the WordPress admin panel and sensitive theme endpoints using IP-based access controls
• Implement database user privilege restrictions to limit the damage potential from successful SQL injection attacks
• Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme until an official patch is applied

# Example: Add basic WAF rules or IP restrictions in .htaccess
# Restrict access to wp-admin (adjust IP as needed)
<Files wp-login.php>
  Order Deny,Allow
  Deny from all
  Allow from YOUR_TRUSTED_IP
</Files>

# Block common SQL injection patterns (basic protection)
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\%27)|(\')|(--)|(%23)|(#) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (union.*select) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (select.*from) [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ - [F,L]