CVE-2024-1711 is a critical SQL Injection vulnerability identified in the Create by Mediavine plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 1.9.4. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands, specifically via the 'id' parameter. The plugin fails to sufficiently escape or prepare SQL queries that incorporate user-supplied input, enabling attackers to append arbitrary SQL commands. This lack of input validation and parameterization allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries against the underlying database, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure, data manipulation, or complete compromise of the database integrity and availability. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without any authentication or user interaction, increasing its severity. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting the critical nature of this flaw with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. While no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit WordPress sites using this plugin. The issue highlights the importance of secure coding practices such as prepared statements and proper input sanitization in WordPress plugin development.

The impact of CVE-2024-1711 is severe for organizations running WordPress sites with the Create by Mediavine plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data stored in the database, including user credentials, personal information, or business-critical data. Attackers could also modify or delete data, disrupting website functionality and causing data integrity issues. In worst-case scenarios, attackers might gain further access to the hosting environment through database compromise, leading to full site takeover. The vulnerability’s unauthenticated and remote exploitability means any internet-facing WordPress site using the plugin is at risk, potentially affecting thousands of websites globally. This can result in reputational damage, regulatory penalties for data breaches, and operational downtime. Given WordPress’s widespread use, the threat extends across multiple sectors including e-commerce, media, and corporate websites.

To mitigate CVE-2024-1711, organizations should immediately update the Create by Mediavine plugin to a patched version once available. Until an official patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin to eliminate exposure. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically targeting SQL Injection attempts can provide temporary protection. Reviewing and restricting database user permissions to the minimum necessary can limit potential damage. Additionally, monitoring database logs and web server logs for suspicious SQL query patterns or unusual activity can aid in early detection. Developers should audit and refactor plugin code to use parameterized queries or prepared statements for all database interactions. Regular backups of website data and databases are essential to enable recovery in case of compromise. Finally, educating site administrators about the risks and signs of SQL Injection attacks can improve incident response readiness.