CVE-2024-56247 Overview
CVE-2024-56247 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the AF themes WP Post Author plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. It affects all versions of wp-post-author up to and including 3.8.2. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can inject arbitrary SQL statements into database queries. Successful exploitation compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying WordPress database.
Critical Impact
An attacker with elevated privileges can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, enabling data exfiltration, modification of stored content, and potential escalation to full site compromise.
Affected Products
- AF themes WP Post Author plugin versions through 3.8.2
- WordPress sites running the wp-post-author plugin
- Any deployment where an authenticated high-privilege account can reach the vulnerable component
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-02 - CVE-2024-56247 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-56247
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the WP Post Author plugin's handling of user-controllable input passed to SQL queries. The plugin fails to properly sanitize or parameterize input before including it in database statements. This allows an attacker to break out of the intended query context and append arbitrary SQL. Because WordPress plugins execute queries with full database privileges, the attacker can read, modify, or delete any data accessible to the WordPress user.
The issue is classified under CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. Exploitation requires network access to the WordPress site and an authenticated session with high privileges. No user interaction is required to trigger the injection.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input sanitization and the absence of prepared statements in one or more database query paths within wp-post-author. User-supplied parameters are concatenated directly into SQL strings rather than passed through $wpdb->prepare() with proper placeholders. See the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for additional technical context.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a plugin endpoint that processes user input. The attacker embeds SQL metacharacters and payloads into a vulnerable parameter. The plugin passes the input into a query without escaping, and the database executes the attacker-controlled statement. Typical payloads use UNION SELECT clauses to exfiltrate data such as password hashes, session tokens, or configuration values from wp_users and wp_options.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-56247
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP requests to wp-post-author plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as ', ", UNION, SELECT, or --
- Anomalous database queries in MySQL general or slow query logs referencing plugin tables with concatenated user input
- New or modified administrator accounts, or unexplained changes to wp_options and wp_users tables
- Outbound data transfers from the WordPress host shortly after suspicious plugin requests
Detection Strategies
- Deploy a WordPress-aware web application firewall (WAF) with signatures for SQL injection patterns against /wp-admin/ and plugin URLs
- Enable MySQL query logging and alert on statements containing multiple UNION clauses or unusual comment sequences
- Correlate authenticated session activity against subsequent database anomalies to identify abuse by privileged accounts
- Baseline normal plugin request patterns and alert on deviations in parameter length, encoding, or content
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward web server access logs and WordPress audit logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Monitor privileged account activity, especially administrator and editor role sessions interacting with the plugin
- Track file integrity on wp-content/plugins/wp-post-author/ and alert on unauthorized changes
- Review database user permissions and reduce them to the minimum required by WordPress
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-56247
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress instances running the WP Post Author plugin at version 3.8.2 or earlier
- Update the plugin to a patched release once the vendor publishes a fixed version
- Rotate credentials for all high-privilege WordPress accounts that could reach the vulnerable code path
- Review database contents and audit logs for evidence of injection attempts or unauthorized modifications
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the advisory lists all versions through 3.8.2 as affected. Administrators should consult the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory and the plugin's official update channel for the latest fixed version. Apply the patch through the WordPress plugin management interface or by manually replacing the plugin files.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the wp-post-author plugin until a patched version is installed
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative endpoints using IP allowlisting or a reverse proxy
- Enforce the principle of least privilege and reduce the number of accounts holding administrator or editor roles
- Deploy a WAF ruleset that blocks SQL injection payloads targeting known plugin parameters
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
