CVE-2024-56284: SSL Wireless SMS Notification SQLi Flaw

CVE-2024-56284 Overview

CVE-2024-56284 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the SSL Wireless SMS Notification WordPress plugin (ssl-wireless-sms-notification) developed by sslplugins. The flaw exists in all versions up to and including 3.5.0 and stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands [CWE-89]. An unauthenticated attacker can inject crafted SQL statements over the network without user interaction. Successful exploitation can expose data from the WordPress database and impact adjacent components due to the scope change in the CVSS vector. The vulnerability is tracked by Patchstack and was published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) on January 7, 2025.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated, network-based SQL Injection in a WordPress plugin allows attackers to manipulate database queries and access sensitive site data.

Affected Products

sslplugins SSL Wireless SMS Notification plugin for WordPress
All versions from initial release through 3.5.0
WordPress sites with the ssl-wireless-sms-notification plugin enabled

Discovery Timeline

2025-01-07 - CVE-2024-56284 published to NVD
2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-56284

Vulnerability Analysis

The SSL Wireless SMS Notification plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to break out of the intended query context and append arbitrary SQL syntax. The flaw is reachable remotely over HTTP and requires no authentication or user interaction. Because the CVSS vector indicates a scope change, the injected query can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component, including the broader WordPress database and any plugins sharing the same backend tables.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. Input received from HTTP request parameters is concatenated directly into SQL statements rather than being bound through prepared statements or escaped using WordPress functions such as $wpdb->prepare(). This anti-pattern enables attackers to inject SQL operators, UNION queries, and comment sequences into the executing statement.

Attack Vector

An attacker sends crafted HTTP requests to a plugin endpoint that processes user input within a SQL query. By inserting payloads containing single quotes, UNION SELECT clauses, or boolean conditions, the attacker can extract data from the WordPress database, including wp_users credentials and session tokens. The vulnerability requires no privileges (PR:N) and no user interaction (UI:N), making automated mass exploitation feasible against exposed WordPress sites. Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-56284

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to ssl-wireless-sms-notification plugin endpoints containing SQL meta-characters such as ', --, UNION SELECT, or SLEEP(
Unexpected outbound database errors or stack traces logged by WordPress or PHP error logs
Anomalous read activity against wp_users, wp_usermeta, or wp_options tables
Creation of new administrator accounts or modification of plugin-related options without admin action

Detection Strategies

Inspect web server access logs for query strings or POST bodies targeting the plugin path with SQL injection signatures
Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule set with WordPress-specific SQLi signatures and enable logging in detection mode
Correlate plugin request patterns with database error rates to identify probing activity

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward WordPress, PHP, and web server logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation and retention
Alert on repeated 500-class responses from plugin endpoints, which often indicate failed injection attempts
Monitor for unauthorized changes to administrative users and plugin configuration entries in wp_options

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-56284

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress installations running the ssl-wireless-sms-notification plugin at version 3.5.0 or earlier
Disable or remove the plugin until a vendor-supplied patched release is confirmed installed
Review WordPress administrator accounts and rotate credentials for any account that may have been exposed
Audit recent database activity and plugin logs for indicators of prior exploitation

Patch Information

At the time of NVD publication, the advisory tracks the vulnerability through versions up to and including 3.5.0. Administrators should consult the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for the latest fixed version information and apply the vendor update once available.

Workarounds

Remove or deactivate the ssl-wireless-sms-notification plugin if SMS notification functionality is not business-critical
Restrict access to WordPress administrative and plugin endpoints using IP allow-listing at the web server or WAF layer
Deploy virtual patching rules in a WAF to block requests containing SQL injection payloads targeting the plugin path

bash

# Configuration example: ModSecurity rule to block SQLi attempts against the plugin path
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains /ssl-wireless-sms-notification" \
  "chain,phase:2,deny,status:403,log,msg:'CVE-2024-56284 SQLi attempt blocked'"
  SecRule ARGS "@detectSQLi" "t:none"