CVE-2022-47432
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in the WordPress Shortcode IMDB plugin allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database. It affects all WordPress sites using the plugin versions up to 6.0.8. Successful exploitation could lead to data theft, modification, or complete database compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Shortcode IMDB plugin
📦 What is this software?
Shortcode Imdb by Kemalyazici
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise leading to data theft, data destruction, privilege escalation, and potential full system takeover if database permissions allow file system access.
Likely Case
Data exfiltration of sensitive information (user credentials, personal data), database manipulation, and potential WordPress admin access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation, parameterized queries, and database user privilege restrictions in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins are frequently weaponized due to the large attack surface and automated exploitation tools.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.0.9 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/shortcode-imdb/wordpress-shortcode-imdb-plugin-6-0-8-sql-injection
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Shortcode IMDB' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 6.0.9+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the Shortcode IMDB plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate shortcode-imdb
Web Application Firewall rule
allImplement WAF rules to block SQL injection patterns targeting the plugin
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user inputs
- Restrict database user permissions to minimum required privileges
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Shortcode IMDB versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get shortcode-imdb --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 6.0.9 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed login attempts from single IP
- Unexpected database schema changes
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with SQL injection payloads to WordPress endpoints
- Unusual outbound database connections
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="*wp-content/plugins/shortcode-imdb/*" AND (query="*SELECT*" OR query="*UNION*" OR query="*INSERT*" OR query="*DELETE*"))