CVE-2024-55978: Code Generator Pro SQL Injection Flaw

CVE-2024-55978 Overview

CVE-2024-55978 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the WalletStation Code Generator Pro WordPress plugin. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands (CWE-89), allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL queries into the application database. This vulnerability affects Code Generator Pro versions through 1.2.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this SQL Injection vulnerability to manipulate database queries, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database compromise on affected WordPress installations.

Affected Products

• WalletStation Code Generator Pro plugin versions through 1.2
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable code-generator-pro plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-12-16 - CVE-2024-55978 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-55978

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Code Generator Pro plugin. The plugin fails to properly neutralize special characters and SQL syntax elements in user-supplied input before incorporating them into database queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the structure of SQL statements, potentially bypassing authentication, extracting sensitive data, or modifying database contents.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command), which represents one of the most critical web application security weaknesses. WordPress plugins are particularly attractive targets because they often handle user input that interacts directly with the WordPress database.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the plugin's failure to implement proper input sanitization and parameterized queries. When user-controlled data is concatenated directly into SQL query strings without adequate escaping or the use of prepared statements, attackers can inject arbitrary SQL commands. The Code Generator Pro plugin does not adequately validate or sanitize input parameters before using them in database operations, creating an exploitable attack surface.

Attack Vector

The SQL Injection attack can be carried out by providing specially crafted input to vulnerable plugin parameters. An attacker could inject SQL metacharacters and commands that, when processed by the database, execute unintended operations. Common exploitation techniques include:

The attacker identifies input fields or parameters that are processed by the vulnerable plugin. By inserting SQL syntax such as single quotes, comment sequences, or UNION statements, the attacker can manipulate query logic. Successful exploitation could allow extraction of sensitive WordPress data including user credentials, post content, or plugin configuration data. In severe cases, attackers may achieve write access to the database or execute administrative database commands.

For technical details on this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack vulnerability database entry.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-55978

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual database query patterns or errors in WordPress logs indicating SQL syntax anomalies
• Unexpected database modifications or data extraction activity
• Web server logs showing requests with SQL injection patterns targeting plugin endpoints
• Authentication bypasses or unauthorized administrative access

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor WordPress database logs for unusual query structures or error messages
• Deploy intrusion detection systems with signatures for SQL injection attack patterns
• Review web server access logs for suspicious parameter values containing SQL metacharacters

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed WordPress debug logging to capture database query errors
• Configure alerting on database connection errors or syntax exceptions
• Implement real-time monitoring of the code-generator-pro plugin activity
• Regularly audit WordPress user accounts for unauthorized access or privilege changes

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-55978

Immediate Actions Required

• Deactivate and remove the Code Generator Pro plugin version 1.2 or earlier if a patched version is not available
• Audit WordPress database for signs of unauthorized access or data manipulation
• Review WordPress user accounts and reset credentials if compromise is suspected
• Implement a Web Application Firewall to block SQL injection attempts

Patch Information

Organizations should monitor the Patchstack vulnerability database for updates on patched versions of the Code Generator Pro plugin. Until a security patch is released, it is recommended to disable the vulnerable plugin to prevent exploitation.

Workarounds

• Disable the Code Generator Pro plugin until a security update is available
• Implement WAF rules specifically targeting SQL injection patterns for WordPress installations
• Apply WordPress security hardening measures and limit database user privileges
• Use security plugins that provide SQL injection protection at the application layer

# WordPress plugin deactivation via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate code-generator-pro

# List installed plugins to verify status
wp plugin list --status=active