CVE-2026-24367 Overview
CVE-2026-24367 is a Blind SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the Traveler WordPress theme developed by ShineTheme. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database through improperly neutralized user input. Blind SQL Injection is particularly dangerous as it enables attackers to extract sensitive data from the database without requiring visible error messages or direct query output.
Critical Impact
Attackers can extract sensitive database information, modify or delete data, and potentially escalate to full database server compromise through blind SQL injection techniques.
Affected Products
- ShineTheme Traveler WordPress Theme versions prior to 3.2.8
- WordPress installations using vulnerable Traveler theme versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-22 - CVE-2026-24367 published to NVD
- 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-24367
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). The Traveler WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL statements that are executed by the database server.
Blind SQL Injection differs from traditional SQL injection in that the application does not return database errors or query results directly to the attacker. Instead, attackers must infer information about the database structure and contents through indirect methods such as time-based or boolean-based techniques.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and the lack of parameterized queries or prepared statements in the Traveler theme's database operations. User-controlled data is concatenated directly into SQL query strings without proper escaping or sanitization, allowing special SQL characters and commands to be interpreted by the database engine.
Attack Vector
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by submitting specially crafted input to vulnerable parameters within the Traveler theme. In blind SQL injection scenarios, attackers typically use:
- Boolean-based techniques: Crafting queries that cause different application behavior based on true/false conditions
- Time-based techniques: Injecting SQL commands that introduce deliberate delays (e.g., SLEEP() or WAITFOR DELAY) to infer query results
The vulnerability is exploitable through the WordPress front-end, making it accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers in many configurations. For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack security advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24367
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual database queries containing SQL keywords like UNION, SELECT, SLEEP, WAITFOR, or BENCHMARK in web server logs
- Abnormal response times for specific requests indicating time-based SQL injection attempts
- Database error messages in application logs referencing malformed SQL syntax
- Unexpected database connections or queries from web application processes
Detection Strategies
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests
- Monitor web server access logs for requests containing encoded SQL injection payloads
- Implement database activity monitoring to identify anomalous query patterns or unauthorized data access
- Enable WordPress security plugins with SQL injection detection capabilities
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure real-time alerting for database queries with suspicious patterns or excessive execution times
- Review access logs for repeated requests to the same endpoint with varying parameter values (indicative of automated injection attempts)
- Monitor for outbound connections from the database server that could indicate data exfiltration
- Track WordPress theme file changes and configuration modifications
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24367
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the ShineTheme Traveler theme to version 3.2.8 or later immediately
- Review database logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
- If compromise is suspected, conduct a full database audit and consider restoring from a known-clean backup
- Implement a Web Application Firewall with SQL injection protection rules as a defense-in-depth measure
Patch Information
ShineTheme has addressed this vulnerability in Traveler theme version 3.2.8. Administrators should update their WordPress theme installations through the WordPress admin dashboard or by downloading the latest version from the official theme source. For additional vulnerability details and patch verification, consult the Patchstack vulnerability database.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin area and login page using IP whitelisting or VPN access
- Deploy a WAF with SQL injection detection rules to filter malicious requests before they reach the application
- If the theme cannot be updated immediately, consider temporarily disabling the Traveler theme and switching to a default WordPress theme
- Implement database user privilege restrictions to limit the potential impact of SQL injection attacks
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
