CVE-2024-54292: Appsplate SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2024-54292 Overview

CVE-2024-54292 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the WordPress Appsplate plugin developed by appsplate. This vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL commands through improperly sanitized input fields. SQL Injection vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation of this SQL Injection vulnerability could allow attackers to extract sensitive data from the WordPress database, modify or delete data, bypass authentication mechanisms, or potentially gain administrative access to the affected WordPress installation.

Affected Products

• WordPress Appsplate Plugin versions up to and including 2.1.3

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-12-13 - CVE CVE-2024-54292 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-54292

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. The Appsplate WordPress plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of input validation allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that are then executed by the database server with the same privileges as the application.

The vulnerability has an EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) score indicating a 2.099% probability of exploitation, placing it in the 84th percentile compared to other vulnerabilities. This relatively elevated EPSS percentile suggests that this vulnerability has characteristics that make it more likely to be exploited in the wild compared to the majority of CVEs.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user input within the Appsplate plugin. The plugin does not adequately escape or parameterize user-supplied data before using it in SQL queries. WordPress provides several built-in functions such as $wpdb->prepare() for parameterized queries and esc_sql() for escaping, but these safeguards were not properly implemented in the vulnerable code paths.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input containing SQL syntax that, when processed by the vulnerable plugin, alters the intended SQL query logic. Depending on the specific vulnerable endpoint, the attack may be performed through GET or POST parameters, form submissions, or AJAX requests handled by the plugin.

The exploitation typically follows this pattern: the attacker identifies an input field processed by the Appsplate plugin that is vulnerable to injection, crafts a payload containing SQL metacharacters and commands, submits the payload through the identified input vector, and the malicious SQL is executed against the WordPress database. For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-54292

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database query patterns or errors in WordPress debug logs
• Unexpected database modifications or data exfiltration attempts
• Web application firewall (WAF) alerts for SQL injection patterns targeting the Appsplate plugin endpoints
• Anomalous HTTP requests containing SQL metacharacters directed at plugin-specific URLs

Detection Strategies

• Deploy web application firewall rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting WordPress plugins
• Monitor WordPress database logs for unusual query patterns, particularly those containing UNION, SELECT, or other SQL keywords in unexpected contexts
• Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) signatures for common SQL injection payloads
• Enable and review WordPress debug logging to identify potential exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure alerting for multiple failed database queries that may indicate injection probing
• Monitor for unusual administrative activity that could indicate post-exploitation actions
• Review access logs for requests to Appsplate plugin endpoints containing encoded or suspicious characters
• Implement database activity monitoring to detect unauthorized data access or extraction

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-54292

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Appsplate plugin to a version newer than 2.1.3 once a patched version becomes available
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling the Appsplate plugin until a fix is released
• Implement web application firewall rules to filter SQL injection attempts
• Review WordPress database for signs of unauthorized access or modification
• Ensure database user accounts used by WordPress follow the principle of least privilege

Patch Information

Users should check for updated versions of the Appsplate plugin through the WordPress plugin repository or the vendor's official channels. The vulnerability affects versions through 2.1.3. Monitor the Patchstack vulnerability database for updates regarding patch availability.

Workarounds

• Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection protection rules enabled
• Restrict access to the WordPress admin panel and plugin endpoints to trusted IP addresses where feasible
• Apply input validation at the server level using ModSecurity or similar tools with OWASP Core Rule Set
• Consider using WordPress security plugins that provide additional SQL injection protection
• Limit database user privileges to only those required for WordPress operation

# Example ModSecurity rule to help mitigate SQL injection attempts
# Add to your Apache or Nginx ModSecurity configuration
SecRule ARGS "@detectSQLi" \
    "id:1001,\
    phase:2,\
    deny,\
    status:403,\
    msg:'SQL Injection Attempt Detected',\
    log,\
    auditlog"