CVE-2024-53808 Overview
CVE-2024-53808 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the Basix NEX-Forms WordPress plugin (nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder). The flaw exists in versions up to and including 8.7.8 and stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can inject arbitrary SQL statements into backend queries. Successful exploitation leads to disclosure, modification, or destruction of data stored in the WordPress database. The vulnerability was published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) on December 6, 2024.
Critical Impact
Attackers who exploit CVE-2024-53808 gain the ability to read, modify, or delete WordPress database contents, including credentials, form submissions, and site configuration.
Affected Products
- Basix NEX-Forms (nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder) versions through 8.7.8
- WordPress sites running the NEX-Forms plugin
- Any deployment where privileged accounts interact with vulnerable NEX-Forms endpoints
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-06 - CVE-2024-53808 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-53808
Vulnerability Analysis
The NEX-Forms plugin fails to sanitize user-supplied input before concatenating it into SQL statements executed against the WordPress database. This SQL injection weakness [CWE-89] allows an attacker to alter the semantics of database queries. The vulnerability requires authentication with high privileges, which limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate insider or credential-abuse risk. Once exploited, the attacker can extract arbitrary tables, including the wp_users table containing hashed credentials and session tokens. The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the WordPress data store.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of parameterized queries or proper input sanitization in NEX-Forms request handlers. Input parameters flow directly into dynamic SQL strings without escaping or prepared statement binding. This pattern violates WordPress guidance to use $wpdb->prepare() for all query construction involving external input.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires an authenticated session with elevated plugin privileges. An attacker submits a crafted request containing SQL metacharacters to a vulnerable NEX-Forms parameter. The backend concatenates the malicious payload into an SQL statement executed by WordPress. See the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for technical details on the vulnerable request handling.
// No verified exploitation code is publicly available.
// Refer to the Patchstack advisory linked above for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-53808
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP POST or GET requests targeting NEX-Forms admin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as UNION, SELECT, --, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA
- Unexpected outbound database queries or slow query log entries referencing wp_users, wp_options, or wp_usermeta originating from NEX-Forms handlers
- New or modified administrator accounts in wp_users without a corresponding legitimate change record
Detection Strategies
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) ruleset that inspects requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php and NEX-Forms REST routes for SQL injection signatures
- Enable MySQL general query logging on a test bench and review NEX-Forms-generated statements for concatenated input rather than parameter placeholders
- Correlate authenticated admin sessions with anomalous query volume or error rates surfaced by WordPress debug logs
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress access logs, PHP error logs, and database audit logs to a centralized log platform for correlation
- Alert on privileged account logins from new IP addresses or user agents preceding NEX-Forms activity
- Track plugin version inventory across WordPress fleets and flag hosts running NEX-Forms 8.7.8 or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-53808
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the NEX-Forms plugin to a version later than 8.7.8 as published by Basix
- Audit accounts with the plugin privilege required for exploitation and revoke unnecessary elevated roles
- Rotate credentials and session tokens for administrator accounts if exploitation is suspected
Patch Information
Basix has released fixes tracked through the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory. Site administrators should apply the vendor update through the WordPress plugin manager and verify the installed version reports higher than 8.7.8. Confirm the update on staging before rolling out to production sites.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin dashboard using IP allowlists or VPN gating until patching is complete
- Deploy WAF virtual patching rules that block SQL injection payloads directed at NEX-Forms endpoints
- Temporarily disable the NEX-Forms plugin on sites that cannot be updated immediately
# Check installed NEX-Forms version via WP-CLI
wp plugin get nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder --field=version
# Update the plugin once a fixed release is available
wp plugin update nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder
# Deactivate the plugin as a temporary mitigation
wp plugin deactivate nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
