CVE-2024-55972: eTemplates Plugin SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2024-55972 Overview

CVE-2024-55972 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the eTemplates plugin for WordPress developed by chriscarvache. This vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. SQL Injection vulnerabilities remain among the most dangerous web application flaws as they can lead to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and in severe cases, complete database compromise.

Critical Impact

This SQL Injection vulnerability in the eTemplates WordPress plugin enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially exposing sensitive data, modifying records, or gaining administrative access to the WordPress installation.

Affected Products

• eTemplates WordPress Plugin versions up to and including 0.2.1
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable eTemplates plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-12-16 - CVE-2024-55972 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-55972

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command), commonly known as SQL Injection. The eTemplates plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries executed against the WordPress database. This allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code that the database server will execute alongside legitimate queries.

WordPress plugins that interact with databases are particularly susceptible to SQL Injection when developers fail to use prepared statements or parameterized queries. In this case, the eTemplates plugin through version 0.2.1 does not adequately validate or escape user input, creating an exploitable attack surface.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-55972 lies in the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation and parameterization when constructing SQL queries. Instead of using WordPress's built-in database abstraction functions that provide SQL escaping (such as $wpdb->prepare()), the plugin directly concatenates user input into SQL statements. This architectural flaw allows attackers to break out of the intended query context and inject arbitrary SQL commands.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by submitting specially crafted input containing SQL metacharacters and commands through the plugin's input fields or parameters. The attack can be executed remotely without authentication, depending on which plugin functionality exposes the vulnerable code path. Common attack techniques include using UNION-based injection to extract data from other tables, time-based blind injection to infer database contents, or stacked queries to modify data or execute administrative database commands.

The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially read sensitive information from the WordPress database including user credentials, manipulate content stored in the database, or escalate privileges by modifying user roles.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-55972

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database query patterns containing SQL keywords like UNION, SELECT, DROP, or INSERT in web server logs
• Unexpected database error messages appearing in application logs or responses
• Anomalous database activity or query execution times indicating exploitation attempts
• Evidence of unauthorized data access or modification in WordPress database tables

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL Injection patterns in HTTP requests
• Deploy runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions that can identify SQL Injection attempts at the application level
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing suspicious SQL syntax or encoded payloads
• Enable WordPress database query logging to identify abnormal query patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Establish baseline database query patterns and alert on deviations that may indicate injection attacks
• Configure SentinelOne to monitor for file changes and suspicious database access patterns on WordPress installations
• Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) signatures specific to WordPress plugin exploitation attempts
• Review plugin activity logs for unusual operations or access patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-55972

Immediate Actions Required

• Deactivate and remove the eTemplates plugin immediately if it is installed on your WordPress site
• Audit the WordPress database for signs of unauthorized access or data manipulation
• Review web server logs for evidence of exploitation attempts against this vulnerability
• Consider restoring from a known-good backup if compromise is suspected

Patch Information

As of the last update, versions through 0.2.1 of the eTemplates plugin remain vulnerable. Check the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database for the latest patch status and remediation guidance. Organizations should verify that any updated versions properly address the SQL Injection flaw before reinstalling the plugin.

Workarounds

• Remove the eTemplates plugin until a patched version is available and verified
• Implement WAF rules specifically targeting SQL Injection patterns to provide temporary protection
• Restrict access to WordPress admin interfaces to trusted IP addresses only
• Enable WordPress security plugins that provide additional input validation and SQL Injection protection

# WordPress CLI commands to identify and deactivate the vulnerable plugin
# List all installed plugins
wp plugin list

# Deactivate eTemplates plugin if present
wp plugin deactivate etemplates

# Remove the vulnerable plugin completely
wp plugin delete etemplates