CVE-2022-3981 is a high-severity SQL Injection vulnerability (CWE-89) found in the Icegram Express WordPress plugin versions prior to 5.5.1. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape a parameter before incorporating it into an SQL query. This improper handling allows any authenticated user, including low-privileged roles such as subscribers, to inject arbitrary SQL commands. Exploiting this flaw can lead to unauthorized access to the WordPress database, enabling attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive data, escalate privileges, or even execute administrative actions indirectly. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication, and the attack vector is remote over the network. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and only requiring low privileges. Although no public exploits are currently known in the wild, the presence of this vulnerability in a widely used WordPress plugin poses a significant risk, especially given the common use of subscriber roles on WordPress sites. The lack of proper input validation and escaping in SQL queries is a classic injection flaw that can be leveraged to compromise entire websites and their underlying data stores.

For European organizations using WordPress sites with the Icegram Express plugin before version 5.5.1, this vulnerability could lead to severe data breaches, including exposure of personal data protected under GDPR. Attackers exploiting this flaw could manipulate website content, steal user credentials, or gain administrative control, potentially disrupting business operations and damaging reputation. Given the high prevalence of WordPress in Europe across sectors such as e-commerce, media, and government, the impact could be widespread. Compromise of websites could also serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within corporate networks. The integrity and availability of websites could be undermined, affecting customer trust and service continuity. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated data are particularly at risk, as unauthorized data disclosure could result in regulatory penalties and legal consequences.

1. Immediate upgrade of the Icegram Express plugin to version 5.5.1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Implement strict role-based access controls to limit the number of users with authenticated access, especially minimizing subscriber accounts where possible. 3. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting WordPress plugins. 4. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on plugin versions and known vulnerabilities. 5. Harden WordPress installations by disabling unnecessary plugins and features, and ensure database users have minimal required privileges to limit damage from SQL injection. 6. Monitor logs for unusual database queries or user activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Educate site administrators on timely patch management and the risks of outdated plugins. These steps go beyond generic advice by emphasizing role minimization, WAF tuning specific to WordPress plugin attacks, and database privilege restrictions.