CVE-2024-55972 Overview
CVE-2024-55972 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the eTemplates WordPress plugin developed by chriscarvache. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 0.2.1 and stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands [CWE-89].
An unauthenticated attacker can send crafted input over the network to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it remotely exploitable against any WordPress site running the affected plugin.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can inject arbitrary SQL statements, exposing the WordPress database contents and enabling further compromise of the hosting environment.
Affected Products
- chriscarvache eTemplates plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 0.2.1
- WordPress sites with the eTemplates plugin installed and activated
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-16 - CVE-2024-55972 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-55972
Vulnerability Analysis
The eTemplates plugin fails to sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries executed against the WordPress database. This classification falls under [CWE-89], Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.
The attack vector is network-based with low complexity. No authentication or user interaction is required. The scope is changed, meaning a successful exploit can impact resources beyond the vulnerable component, including the underlying WordPress installation and any data accessible through the database user context.
Exploit Prediction Scoring System data places this vulnerability in a high-likelihood tier for near-term exploitation, reflecting both ease of discovery and the prevalence of automated SQL injection scanners targeting WordPress plugins.
Root Cause
The plugin constructs SQL statements by concatenating untrusted request parameters directly into query strings. Prepared statements and parameterized queries through the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API are not used to bind user input safely. Special characters such as single quotes, semicolons, and SQL comment markers pass through unescaped, allowing an attacker to break out of the intended query context.
Attack Vector
An unauthenticated attacker sends an HTTP request containing malicious SQL payloads to a plugin endpoint that accepts parameters used in database queries. The injected payload alters query logic and can return arbitrary rows from the WordPress database, including the wp_users table containing password hashes and session tokens.
Because exploitation succeeds without authentication, mass-scanning campaigns can target exposed WordPress installations and harvest credentials at scale. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-55972
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to eTemplates plugin endpoints containing SQL meta-characters such as ', --, UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA
- Unexpected database errors in PHP or WordPress logs referencing plugin functions
- Anomalous outbound queries from the web server to the database returning unusually large result sets
- New or modified administrator accounts in wp_users following suspicious plugin traffic
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for request parameters bound for eTemplates routes that contain encoded SQL syntax
- Deploy WordPress-aware web application firewall rules that flag SQL injection signatures against /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php and plugin-specific paths
- Correlate database error rates with HTTP 200 responses on plugin endpoints to identify blind injection attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress debug logging and forward errors to a centralized log platform for review
- Track outbound database query volume per plugin route and alert on baselines deviations
- Monitor the WordPress wp_users and wp_options tables for unauthorized modifications
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-55972
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the eTemplates plugin until a fixed release is published by the vendor
- Audit the wp_users table for unfamiliar accounts and rotate all administrator passwords
- Invalidate active WordPress sessions by rotating the AUTH_KEY and related secrets in wp-config.php
- Review database logs for evidence of historical exploitation against plugin endpoints
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no fixed version has been identified beyond 0.2.1. Monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report and the WordPress plugin repository for an updated release from the maintainer.
Workarounds
- Block external access to eTemplates plugin endpoints at the web application firewall or reverse proxy layer
- Apply virtual patching rules that reject requests containing SQL syntax in plugin parameters
- Restrict database user privileges so the WordPress account cannot read sensitive system tables or write to file paths
# Example: disable the plugin via WP-CLI until a patched version is available
wp plugin deactivate etemplates
wp plugin delete etemplates
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
