CVE-2022-38074
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-38074 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the VeronaLabs WP Statistics WordPress plugin that allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This affects WordPress sites running WP Statistics version 13.2.10 or earlier. Successful exploitation could lead to data theft, data manipulation, or complete database compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- VeronaLabs WP Statistics WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Wp Statistics by Veronalabs
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise including sensitive user data, admin credential theft, and potential privilege escalation to full site control.
Likely Case
Data exfiltration of sensitive information from the WordPress database, including user credentials and site content.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper input validation and prepared statements are implemented, restricting SQL command execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but SQL injection payloads are well-documented and easy to weaponize.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 13.2.11
Vendor Advisory: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-statistics/#developers
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP Statistics and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 13.2.11 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Temporary Plugin Deactivation
allDisable the WP Statistics plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate wp-statistics
Web Application Firewall Rules
allImplement WAF rules to block SQL injection patterns targeting WP Statistics endpoints
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict plugin access to trusted users only and implement principle of least privilege
- Implement database-level controls including read-only database user accounts for the plugin
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > WP Statistics version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin get wp-statistics --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify WP Statistics version is 13.2.11 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in WordPress or database logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by SQL-like payloads
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with SQL injection patterns
- Unusual database connection patterns from web server
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND "wp-statistics" AND ("UNION" OR "SELECT" OR "INSERT" OR "UPDATE" OR "DELETE")🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wp-statistics/wordpress-wp-statistics-plugin-13-2-10-multiple-authenticated-sql-injection-vulnerabilities?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wp-statistics/wordpress-wp-statistics-plugin-13-2-10-multiple-authenticated-sql-injection-vulnerabilities?_s_id=cve
