CVE-2024-49333
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in the Hero Mega Menu WordPress plugin allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on affected websites. It affects all WordPress sites running the plugin from any version up to 1.16.5. Successful exploitation could lead to data theft, modification, or complete database compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Hero Mega Menu - Responsive WordPress Menu Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise allowing data exfiltration, privilege escalation, backdoor installation, and full site takeover.
Likely Case
Data extraction from WordPress database including user credentials, sensitive content, and configuration data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and database user privilege restrictions in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of WordPress plugin structure and SQL injection techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.16.6 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/hmenu/vulnerability/wordpress-hero-menu-plugin-1-16-5-sql-injection-vulnerability-2?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Hero Mega Menu' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. If no update appears, download version 1.16.6+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the Hero Mega Menu plugin until patched
Web Application Firewall rules
allImplement WAF rules to block SQL injection patterns targeting the plugin
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the Hero Mega Menu plugin entirely and use alternative menu solutions
- Implement strict input validation and parameterized queries at application level
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Hero Mega Menu version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name='Hero Mega Menu' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.16.6 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in WordPress debug logs
- Multiple failed login attempts from single IP
- Database error messages containing SQL syntax
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with SQL injection payloads to plugin endpoints
- Unusual database connection patterns
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("SQL syntax" OR "database error" OR "wp_hmenu")