CVE-2023-23488Public exploitNetwork attack vector

Unauthenticated SQL injection via unescaped order code

Published Jan 20, 2023 · Updated Apr 3, 2025

SQL injection in Paid Memberships Pro before 2.9.8 allows remote attackers to read or alter WordPress database data without authentication. The /pmpro/v1/order REST handler inserts the unescaped code parameter into an SQL statement, allowing crafted syntax to change the query. The public route requires no account; successful exploitation can disclose stored data, modify it, or delay database responses.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability92.46%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

SQL injection in Paid Memberships Pro before 2.9.8 allows remote attackers to read or alter WordPress database data without authentication. The /pmpro/v1/order REST handler inserts the unescaped code parameter into an SQL statement, allowing crafted syntax to change the query. The public route requires no account; successful exploitation can disclose stored data, modify it, or delay database responses.

The record

CVE
CVE-2023-23488
Published
Jan 20, 2023
Updated
Apr 3, 2025
Vendor
Paid Memberships Pro
Product
Paid Memberships Pro
Classifications
CWE-89, CAPEC-66, T1190
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jan 20, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Apr 3, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=< 2.9.8

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Paid Memberships Pro · Paid Memberships Proversion=< 2.9.8

Published CVSS scores

9.8TenableCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitPublished

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-89Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
CAPEC-66SQL Injection
T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application

Public exploit references

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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