CVE-2021-24728
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to perform SQL injection attacks in the Paid Member Subscriptions WordPress plugin. Attackers can manipulate database queries through unsanitized order and orderby parameters, potentially accessing or modifying sensitive data. WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Paid Member Subscriptions WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise including user credentials, payment information, and administrative access leading to site takeover.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to member data, payment records, and potential privilege escalation within the WordPress installation.
If Mitigated
Limited data exposure if proper input validation and database permissions are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access. SQL injection is well-documented and easily weaponized.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.4.2
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2566399/paid-member-subscriptions
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Paid Member Subscriptions'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.4.2+ from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation WAF Rule
allAdd web application firewall rules to block SQL injection attempts on order and orderby parameters
# Example ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS:order|ARGS:orderby "@detectSQLi" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403"
Plugin Deactivation
linuxTemporarily disable the plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate paid-member-subscriptions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict plugin access to trusted users only using role-based access controls
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the WordPress instance from sensitive databases
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin under Plugins → Installed Plugins. If version is below 2.4.2, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get paid-member-subscriptions --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 2.4.2 or higher. Test parameter inputs with SQL injection payloads to confirm sanitization.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by parameter manipulation
- Unexpected ORDER BY clauses in WordPress queries
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with SQL injection patterns in order/orderby parameters
- Unusual database connection patterns from web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND ("order=" OR "orderby=") AND ("UNION" OR "SELECT" OR "--" OR "' OR '1'='1")🔗 References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2566399/paid-member-subscriptions
- https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/2277d335-1c90-4fa8-b0bf-25873c039c38
- https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/security-resources/security-advisories/?fid=29172
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2566399/paid-member-subscriptions
- https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/2277d335-1c90-4fa8-b0bf-25873c039c38
- https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/security-resources/security-advisories/?fid=29172
