CVE-2024-13479 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in the WordPress plugin LTL Freight Quotes – SEFL Edition, affecting all versions up to and including 3.2.4. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands (CWE-89), specifically through the 'dropship_edit_id' and 'edit_id' parameters. These parameters are insufficiently escaped and the SQL queries are not properly prepared, allowing an attacker to append arbitrary SQL commands. This flaw enables unauthenticated remote attackers to manipulate backend database queries, potentially extracting sensitive information such as customer data, pricing, or shipment details. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its exploitability. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects a high severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. Although no active exploits have been reported, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality. The plugin is used in WordPress environments, which are widely deployed globally, especially in logistics and freight management sectors. The lack of a patch at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation efforts by affected organizations.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-13479 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored in the backend database of affected WordPress sites using the LTL Freight Quotes – SEFL Edition plugin. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to extract confidential data such as client details, freight quotes, and operational information, potentially leading to privacy violations, competitive disadvantage, and regulatory non-compliance. Since the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or availability directly, the risk is mainly to confidentiality. However, leaked data could facilitate further attacks such as phishing, identity theft, or targeted intrusions. Organizations relying on this plugin for freight quoting and logistics management face reputational damage and operational risks if customer trust is compromised. The vulnerability’s ease of exploitation without authentication or user interaction increases the likelihood of automated scanning and attacks, especially once exploit code becomes publicly available.

To mitigate CVE-2024-13479, organizations should immediately update the LTL Freight Quotes – SEFL Edition plugin to a patched version once released by the vendor. In the absence of an official patch, temporary mitigations include implementing Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the 'dropship_edit_id' and 'edit_id' parameters. Developers should review and refactor the plugin code to use parameterized queries or prepared statements, ensuring all user inputs are properly sanitized and escaped before database interaction. Regularly audit database logs for suspicious queries indicative of injection attempts. Restrict database user permissions to the minimum necessary to limit potential data exposure. Additionally, monitor public vulnerability feeds and threat intelligence sources for emerging exploit code and update defenses accordingly. Educate site administrators on the risks of using outdated plugins and enforce strict plugin update policies.