CVE-2024-56250: Just Writing Statistics SQL Injection

CVE-2024-56250 Overview

CVE-2024-56250 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the Just Writing Statistics WordPress plugin developed by Greg Ross. The flaw affects all plugin versions up to and including 4.7. Authenticated attackers with high privileges can inject SQL commands through improperly neutralized special elements in database queries [CWE-89]. The vulnerability has a scope change component, meaning successful exploitation can impact resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Confidentiality impact is high, while availability sees limited disruption.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract sensitive data from the WordPress database and potentially compromise site integrity through crafted SQL queries.

Affected Products

Just Writing Statistics WordPress plugin (just-writing-statistics)
All versions from n/a through 4.7
WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin

Discovery Timeline

2025-01-02 - CVE-2024-56250 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-56250

Vulnerability Analysis

The Just Writing Statistics plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This design flaw enables attackers with sufficient privileges to manipulate database queries and access unauthorized data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.

The scope-changed classification indicates that exploitation extends beyond the plugin itself into the broader WordPress database context. Attackers can query, extract, or manipulate data belonging to other components sharing the same database. The EPSS score of 0.431% places this vulnerability in the 35.6th percentile for exploitation likelihood.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the plugin's handling of query parameters used to generate writing statistics. Input passed to database query construction bypasses proper parameterization or escaping. Instead of using prepared statements with the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() function, the plugin concatenates untrusted input directly into SQL strings.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires an authenticated session with high privileges on the target WordPress installation. Attackers deliver malicious payloads through plugin parameters over the network. Because the plugin executes queries against the WordPress database, injected SQL runs with the database user's permissions.

Successful attacks can enumerate user credentials, extract post metadata, read configuration values from the wp_options table, or exfiltrate other sensitive stored data. For technical details, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-56250

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(), or INFORMATION_SCHEMA references in web server access logs targeting just-writing-statistics endpoints
Unexpected database query errors logged by WordPress with references to plugin functions
Anomalous read patterns against the wp_users, wp_usermeta, or wp_options tables from plugin-owned queries
Administrative account activity from unexpected IP addresses preceding suspicious plugin requests

Detection Strategies

Enable WordPress query logging and inspect queries generated by the Just Writing Statistics plugin for concatenated user input
Deploy a web application firewall with SQL injection signatures tuned for WordPress plugin request parameters
Correlate authenticated administrator activity with plugin parameter values containing SQL metacharacters such as ', --, ;, or /*
Alert on plugin requests that return significantly larger response sizes than baseline traffic

Monitoring Recommendations

Baseline normal request patterns to the plugin's admin pages and alert on deviations
Monitor MySQL slow query logs for time-based SQL injection indicators such as intentional SLEEP() delays
Track privileged WordPress account logins and correlate with plugin usage events
Review Patchstack and NVD feeds for updated indicators tied to CVE-2024-56250

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-56250

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress sites running the Just Writing Statistics plugin at version 4.7 or earlier
Restrict administrative access to trusted personnel and enforce multi-factor authentication on high-privilege accounts
Deploy WAF rules blocking SQL metacharacters in plugin request parameters until a patch is applied
Audit the wp_users and wp_options tables for unexpected modifications or suspicious entries

Patch Information

At the time of publication, the advisory indicates the vulnerability affects Just Writing Statistics versions up to and including 4.7. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for current patch availability and update the plugin as soon as a fixed release is available.

Workarounds

Deactivate and remove the Just Writing Statistics plugin from affected WordPress installations until a patched version is confirmed
Restrict database user privileges so the WordPress database account has only the minimum permissions required
Apply WAF virtual patching rules that block requests containing SQL injection payloads targeting plugin URIs
Reduce the number of accounts with manage_options or administrator-level capabilities to limit the exploitable attack surface

bash

# Configuration example: disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate just-writing-statistics
wp plugin delete just-writing-statistics