CVE-2024-55986 Overview
CVE-2024-55986 is a blind SQL injection vulnerability in the tiny13 Service plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands [CWE-89]. It affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.0.4. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can inject arbitrary SQL statements over the network. Successful exploitation can expose sensitive database contents and impact application availability. The scope change component indicates that the impact reaches resources beyond the vulnerable component itself.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute blind SQL injection attacks against the WordPress database, exposing sensitive data and affecting site availability.
Affected Products
- tiny13 Service plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 1.0.4
- WordPress installations with the Service plugin enabled
- Sites relying on tiny13 Service functionality for public-facing pages
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-16 - CVE-2024-55986 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-55986
Vulnerability Analysis
The tiny13 Service plugin fails to sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. The vulnerability is classified as a blind SQL injection, meaning attackers do not see direct query output. Instead, attackers infer data by observing response differences or timing behavior. The issue affects all plugin releases through version 1.0.4 with no lower bound specified in the advisory.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special SQL characters in one or more plugin parameters. The plugin concatenates untrusted input directly into SQL statements rather than using parameterized queries or the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API. This allows syntactically valid SQL fragments to alter query logic at execution time.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an authenticated session with low-level privileges such as a subscriber or contributor account. Attackers send crafted HTTP requests containing SQL payloads to plugin endpoints that process the vulnerable parameter. Because the injection is blind, attackers typically use boolean-based or time-based techniques to extract data character by character. The network attack vector and low complexity make this vulnerability practical to weaponize against exposed WordPress sites.
The vulnerability mechanism is described in the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory. No public proof-of-concept code is available at this time.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-55986
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to tiny13 Service plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as ', ", --, UNION, SLEEP(, or BENCHMARK(
- Repeated authenticated requests from a single account producing timing anomalies in database response
- Unexpected entries in WordPress database error logs referencing plugin query paths
- Sudden spikes in low-privilege account activity accessing plugin URLs
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that identify SQL injection patterns in requests targeting the /wp-content/plugins/service/ path
- Enable MySQL general query logging temporarily to correlate suspicious queries with WordPress user sessions
- Monitor authentication logs for low-privilege accounts issuing high volumes of requests to plugin endpoints
- Baseline normal query response times and alert on time-based injection signatures such as SLEEP or WAITFOR DELAY
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress access logs, PHP error logs, and MySQL logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Alert on 500-series HTTP responses originating from plugin routes, which often accompany injection probing
- Track newly created or recently activated low-privilege WordPress accounts that immediately access plugin functionality
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-55986
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the tiny13 Service plugin until a patched version is verified as installed
- Audit WordPress user accounts and revoke unused low-privilege accounts that could be abused for authenticated exploitation
- Rotate WordPress database credentials and administrator passwords if compromise is suspected
- Apply web application firewall rules to block SQL injection payloads targeting plugin parameters
Patch Information
The advisory lists version 1.0.4 as the last confirmed vulnerable release. Consult the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for the current patched version and update the plugin through the WordPress admin console once available.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to WordPress registration and low-privilege account creation to trusted users only
- Place the WordPress site behind a web application firewall with active SQL injection signatures
- Disable the tiny13 Service plugin on any site where it is not strictly required
- Enforce least-privilege principles and audit any capability that grants plugin-endpoint access
# Configuration example: disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate service
wp plugin delete service
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
