CVE-2024-49666 Overview
CVE-2024-49666 is a SQL Injection vulnerability [CWE-89] affecting the ARPrice plugin developed by reputeinfosystems for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. It affects all versions of ARPrice up to and including 4.1.3. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can send crafted input over the network to manipulate database queries. Successful exploitation yields confidentiality impact against backend data and can affect availability of the affected component.
Critical Impact
A low-privileged authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary SQL statements over the network, exposing WordPress database contents and impacting service availability with a scope change beyond the vulnerable component.
Affected Products
- reputeinfosystems ARPrice plugin for WordPress
- ARPrice versions from n/a through 4.1.3
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable ARPrice plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-21 - CVE CVE-2024-49666 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-49666
Vulnerability Analysis
The ARPrice plugin fails to properly neutralize special SQL characters supplied through user-controllable input before incorporating them into SQL queries. This allows an attacker holding a low-privileged authenticated session to alter query logic and extract or modify data stored in the WordPress backend database. The Patchstack advisory categorizes this as a SQL Injection issue affecting the plugin up to version 4.1.3. Because the vulnerability produces a scope change, exploitation can influence resources beyond the plugin itself, such as shared database tables used by WordPress core and other plugins. The confidentiality of stored data, including user records and configuration secrets, is directly at risk.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input sanitization when constructing SQL queries within the ARPrice plugin. Parameters received through plugin endpoints are concatenated into query strings rather than passed through prepared statements or the wpdb->prepare() API. This omission enables SQL metacharacters supplied by an attacker to break out of the intended query context.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network and requires authentication with low privileges but no user interaction. An attacker submits crafted parameters to a vulnerable ARPrice endpoint, embedding SQL syntax that the plugin appends into a database query. The injected payload can enumerate database schema, extract sensitive rows such as wp_users, or degrade service through resource-intensive queries. See the Patchstack SQL Injection Analysis for technical details.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. The vulnerability mechanism follows the standard pattern of unsanitized user input reaching a database query builder within a WordPress plugin action or AJAX handler.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49666
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to ARPrice plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, OR 1=1, or encoded variants
- Unexpected outbound traffic or database errors originating from WordPress processes shortly after ARPrice endpoint requests
- Newly created WordPress administrator accounts or modified wp_options rows without a corresponding admin action
- Web server access logs showing authenticated subscriber or contributor sessions issuing requests to ARPrice AJAX handlers
Detection Strategies
- Deploy WAF signatures that inspect POST and GET parameters submitted to ARPrice endpoints for SQL injection patterns
- Enable MySQL general query logging temporarily on affected hosts to identify anomalously constructed queries referencing ARPrice tables
- Correlate WordPress authentication logs with plugin endpoint access to identify low-privileged accounts probing the plugin
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor for spikes in database error responses served by WordPress after requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with ARPrice actions
- Alert on outbound data transfers of unusual size from web servers hosting the ARPrice plugin
- Track creation of new WordPress users or role changes that occur without a legitimate administrative session
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49666
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade the ARPrice plugin to a version later than 4.1.3 as soon as the vendor publishes a fixed release
- Restrict registration and lower-privileged account creation on WordPress sites running ARPrice until patched
- Review WordPress user tables and audit logs for signs of exploitation predating the patch
Patch Information
Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Analysis for the latest patch status and remediation guidance from reputeinfosystems. Apply the vendor-supplied update through the WordPress plugin manager once available.
Workarounds
- Temporarily deactivate and remove the ARPrice plugin if a patched release is not yet available for your environment
- Enforce WAF rules that block SQL injection payloads targeting ARPrice AJAX actions and admin endpoints
- Limit access to WordPress authenticated areas through IP allowlisting where operationally feasible
# Configuration example: disable the ARPrice plugin via WP-CLI until a patch is applied
wp plugin deactivate arprice
wp plugin status arprice
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
