CVE-2022-3848 is a high-severity SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the WP User Merger WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.5.3. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. Specifically, a parameter used in the plugin’s database operations is vulnerable to injection attacks. This flaw can be exploited by any user with at least administrative privileges on the WordPress site, without requiring additional user interaction. The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the backend database, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or deletion. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting the ease of remote exploitation (network vector), low attack complexity, and the requirement of privileges equivalent to an admin user. The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected database and potentially the entire WordPress installation. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability represents a critical risk for sites using this plugin, especially given the common use of WordPress in various organizational contexts. The plugin’s unknown vendor status and lack of available patches at the time of reporting increase the urgency for mitigation.

For European organizations, the exploitation of CVE-2022-3848 could have severe consequences. Many European companies and public sector entities use WordPress for websites, intranets, and customer portals, often with administrative users managing content and user accounts. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, including personal data protected under GDPR, leading to data breaches and regulatory penalties. The ability to alter or delete data could disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and cause financial losses. Additionally, compromised WordPress sites could serve as footholds for further network intrusion or be used to distribute malware. The impact is particularly critical for sectors with high data sensitivity such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions. Given the vulnerability requires admin-level access, the threat is heightened in environments where admin accounts are shared, weakly protected, or where insider threats exist.

1. Immediate upgrade: Organizations should verify if they are using the WP User Merger plugin and upgrade to version 1.5.3 or later once available, as this version addresses the vulnerability. 2. Access control review: Restrict administrative privileges strictly to trusted personnel and enforce strong authentication mechanisms (e.g., MFA) to reduce the risk of compromised admin accounts. 3. Input validation: Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting WordPress plugins. 4. Database permissions: Limit the database user permissions used by WordPress to only what is necessary, preventing destructive SQL commands even if injection occurs. 5. Monitoring and logging: Enable detailed logging of database queries and WordPress admin activities to detect suspicious behavior early. 6. Plugin inventory and management: Regularly audit installed plugins for vulnerabilities and remove unused or unmaintained plugins to reduce attack surface. 7. Incident response readiness: Prepare and test incident response plans specific to web application compromises to minimize damage if exploitation occurs.