CVE-2024-51606 Overview
CVE-2024-51606 is an SQL injection vulnerability in the Blrt WP Embed WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.6.9. Improper neutralization of special elements passed to SQL statements allows authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands against the WordPress database.
The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-89] and can be triggered over the network with low privileges. Successful exploitation can lead to data exfiltration, modification of database contents, and full compromise of site integrity and availability.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, exposing credentials, session data, and stored content.
Affected Products
- Blrt WP Embed plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 1.6.9
- WordPress sites with the blrt-wp-embed plugin installed and active
- All hosting environments running the affected plugin version
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-09 - CVE-2024-51606 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-51606
Vulnerability Analysis
The Blrt WP Embed plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classic SQL injection pattern allows attackers to append or modify SQL clauses through crafted request parameters.
An authenticated attacker with low privileges can send malicious input through plugin-handled request parameters. The unsanitized values reach the SQL query execution layer, where they alter the intended query logic. Consequences include reading arbitrary tables, extracting the wp_users table with password hashes, and modifying stored records.
The issue carries an EPSS probability of 0.549%, indicating current exploitation activity is limited. However, WordPress plugin SQL injection flaws are routinely weaponized in mass-scanning campaigns once public proof-of-concept code appears.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of parameterized queries or proper escaping when the plugin constructs SQL statements. WordPress provides $wpdb->prepare() for safe query composition, but the affected code paths concatenate user input directly into SQL strings. This violates secure coding practices defined under [CWE-89].
Attack Vector
An attacker authenticated to the WordPress site sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint. The malicious payload contains SQL metacharacters that break out of the intended query context. The attack requires network access to the WordPress instance and any authenticated role recognized by the plugin's handlers.
No verified public exploit code is currently available. Technical details are documented in the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-51606
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs containing SQL syntax patterns such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, OR 1=1, or -- in requests to blrt-wp-embed endpoints
- Unexpected database errors or long-running queries originating from the WordPress process
- Unauthorized new administrator accounts or modified user metadata in the wp_users and wp_usermeta tables
- Outbound connections from the WordPress host to attacker-controlled infrastructure following suspicious plugin requests
Detection Strategies
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule set that flags SQL injection payloads targeting /wp-content/plugins/blrt-wp-embed/ request paths
- Enable MySQL general or slow query logging and alert on queries containing tautologies or INFORMATION_SCHEMA references from the WordPress user
- Inventory installed WordPress plugins and identify hosts running blrt-wp-embed at version 1.6.9 or earlier
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress access logs, PHP error logs, and MySQL query logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Baseline normal request volumes to plugin endpoints and alert on anomalous spikes or authenticated abuse
- Monitor for privilege changes and new user creation events within the WordPress database
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-51606
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress instances with the Blrt WP Embed plugin installed and record the installed version
- Deactivate and remove the blrt-wp-embed plugin until a fixed release is verified as installed
- Restrict low-privilege user registration and audit existing accounts for suspicious activity
- Rotate WordPress administrator credentials and database secrets stored in wp-config.php if compromise is suspected
Patch Information
As of the last NVD update on 2026-06-17, no fixed version beyond 1.6.9 is documented in the enriched advisory data. Consult the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for the latest remediation status and vendor updates.
Workarounds
- Remove the plugin entirely if no patched version is available from the vendor
- Deploy WAF signatures that block SQL injection payloads against plugin request parameters
- Restrict database privileges for the WordPress MySQL user to the minimum required for site operation
- Enforce least privilege on WordPress user roles and disable open registration where feasible
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
