CVE-2022-51021

HIGH CVSS 8.2 PoC Available
Published: 2026-10-22
Modified: 2026-10-23
Enriched via mock
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AI Threat Summary

CVE-2022-51021 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.2 affecting the target software. This vulnerability allows SQL injection leading to unauthorized data access. Authentication can be bypassed allowing unauthenticated access. Threat hunters should monitor for exploit attempts and apply vendor patches immediately.

Description

NotificationX plugin for WordPress 2.0.0 before 2.3.12 contains an unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries by supplying an array-form 'id' parameter to /wp-json/notificationx/v1/notification/{id}. Attackers can pass id[1] with crafted SQL, such as time-based SLEEP payloads, along with an api_key derived from md5(home_url()), which flows unsanitized into Database::get_where_query to extract database contents. Exploitation evidence was first observed by the Shadowserver Foundation on 2023-10-18.

Attack Chain
1
Reconnaissance

Attacker fingerprints web application and identifies injectable parameters using automated scanners

2
Initial Access

Attacker injects SQL payload via vulnerable parameter to bypass authentication or extract data

3
Collection

Attacker dumps database tables including user credentials, session tokens, and sensitive data

4
Credential Access

Extracted password hashes cracked offline using hashcat/john or plain-text credentials used directly

5
Lateral Movement

Valid credentials reused across other systems and services in the environment

MITRE ATT&CK Techniques
T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application
Initial Access

SQL injection exploited against web application database layer

T1005 Data from Local System
Collection

Database contents exfiltrated including credentials and PII

T1078 Valid Accounts
Defense Evasion

Credentials stolen from database used for further access

Indicators of Compromise
Type Value Description
user_agent Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; exploit/1.0) Generic exploit scanner user agent pattern
url /api/vuln-endpoint?payload=<malicious> Exploit attempt against application endpoint — monitor access logs for anomalous params
url ' OR 1=1-- Classic SQL injection payload — monitor WAF and DB query logs
Remediation
1. Apply vendor-supplied security patches immediately. 2. If patches are unavailable, apply recommended mitigations from the vendor advisory. 3. Enable WAF rules or IDS signatures to detect exploitation attempts. 4. Monitor logs for indicators of compromise listed above. 5. Implement network segmentation to limit blast radius if exploitation occurs. 6. Subscribe to vendor security advisories for this product.
Quick Facts
CVE ID CVE-2022-51021
CVSS Score 8.2
Vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N
Published 2026-10-22
Exploited No
CISA KEV No
PoC Available
References
External Resources
NVD Entry BleepingComputer The Hacker News