CVE-2023-2761
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in the User Activity Log WordPress plugin allows authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database. The vulnerability affects WordPress sites running plugin versions before 1.6.3, potentially leading to data theft, modification, or deletion.
💻 Affected Systems
- User Activity Log WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
User Activity Log by Solwininfotech
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Administrator privilege escalation leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or site takeover via SQL injection.
Likely Case
Privileged user exploits SQL injection to access sensitive data, modify user permissions, or disrupt site functionality.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper access controls and monitoring, with only authorized administrators able to trigger the vulnerability.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires administrator-level access. Public proof-of-concept available through WPScan references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.6.3
Vendor Advisory: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/8c82d317-f9f9-4e25-a7f1-43edb77e8aba
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'User Activity Log' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.6.3+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Temporary Plugin Deactivation
allDisable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate user-activity-log
Input Validation via WAF
allConfigure web application firewall to block SQL injection patterns in txtsearch parameter
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict administrator accounts to trusted personnel only
- Implement database monitoring for unusual SQL queries from WordPress
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin under Plugins → Installed PluginsCheck Version:
wp plugin get user-activity-log --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.6.3 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by admin panel access
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to admin-ajax.php or admin pages with SQL injection patterns in parameters
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND "txtsearch" AND ("UNION" OR "SELECT" OR "INSERT" OR "DELETE")