CVE-2024-43976: Super Store Finder SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2024-43976 Overview

CVE-2024-43976 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the Super Store Finder WordPress plugin (superstorefinder-wp) developed by highwarden. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The flaw exists in versions up to and including 6.9.7 of the plugin.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL Injection vulnerability to extract sensitive data from the WordPress database, modify or delete database contents, and potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation.

Affected Products

• Super Store Finder WordPress plugin versions through 6.9.7
• WordPress installations using the superstorefinder-wp plugin
• Websites with the vulnerable plugin accessible via network

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-09-17 - CVE-2024-43976 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-43976

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability (CWE-89) occurs due to improper neutralization of special elements in user-supplied input before it is used in SQL query construction. The Super Store Finder plugin fails to adequately sanitize or parameterize user input, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL statements that are then executed by the database server.

The vulnerability is particularly severe because it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive database information including user credentials, site configuration data, and any other information stored in the WordPress database. Attackers may also be able to modify or delete database records, potentially leading to complete site compromise.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the failure to properly sanitize or parameterize user-controlled input before incorporating it into SQL queries. The Super Store Finder plugin does not implement adequate input validation or use prepared statements with parameterized queries, allowing special SQL characters and commands to be interpreted as part of the query structure rather than as literal data values.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring no user interaction or prior authentication. An attacker can send specially crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable WordPress plugin endpoints. The malicious input is then passed directly to SQL query construction functions without proper escaping or parameterization, enabling the attacker to manipulate the query logic and execute arbitrary SQL commands against the backend database.

The vulnerability allows attackers to perform various SQL injection attacks including UNION-based injection for data extraction, boolean-based blind injection, and time-based blind injection techniques to enumerate database contents when direct output is not available.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-43976

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual SQL error messages in web server logs indicating injection attempts
• Unexpected database queries containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, UNION statements, or comment sequences
• Anomalous access patterns to Super Store Finder plugin endpoints
• Database audit logs showing unauthorized SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE operations

Detection Strategies

• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests targeting the superstorefinder-wp plugin
• Monitor WordPress access logs for requests containing SQL injection payloads such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, or encoded variants
• Implement database activity monitoring to detect unusual query patterns or data access
• Review WordPress plugin inventory to identify installations of Super Store Finder version 6.9.7 or earlier

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging on WordPress installations to capture all requests to the Super Store Finder plugin
• Configure alerting for SQL error messages that may indicate injection attempts
• Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) signatures for common SQL injection attack patterns
• Regularly audit database access logs for unauthorized data retrieval attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-43976

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all WordPress installations using the Super Store Finder plugin version 6.9.7 or earlier
• Update the Super Store Finder plugin to a patched version if available from the vendor
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating or removing the vulnerable plugin
• Implement WAF rules to filter SQL injection attempts targeting the affected plugin

Patch Information

Organizations should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest patch status and remediation guidance. Check with the plugin vendor (highwarden/superstorefinder) for updated versions that address this SQL Injection vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection patterns in requests to the vulnerable plugin endpoints
• Restrict network access to WordPress admin areas and plugin functionality where possible
• Implement database user permissions following the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of potential SQL injection attacks
• Consider using WordPress security plugins that provide SQL injection protection until an official patch is applied
• Regularly backup the WordPress database to enable recovery in case of successful exploitation

# Example WAF rule concept for SQL injection mitigation
# Block requests containing common SQL injection patterns
# Implement in your WAF configuration (e.g., ModSecurity)
SecRule ARGS "@detectSQLi" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,log,msg:'SQL Injection Attempt Detected'"