CVE-2025-11501
BaseFortify
Publication date: 2025-10-15
Last updated on: 2025-10-16
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| wordpress | dynamically_display_posts | * |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-89 | The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2025-11501 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the Dynamically Display Posts WordPress plugin (up to version 1.1). It occurs because the plugin constructs SQL queries dynamically using user-supplied parameters like 'tax_query' without proper escaping or parameterization. Although inputs are sanitized with sanitize_text_field(), this does not prevent SQL injection in SQL contexts. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to inject additional SQL commands via AJAX endpoints, potentially extracting sensitive data from the database. [2]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can allow unauthenticated attackers to perform SQL injection attacks on your WordPress database. They could append malicious SQL queries to extract sensitive information stored in the database, such as user data or site content. Since the AJAX endpoints are accessible without authentication, attackers do not need valid credentials to exploit this issue, increasing the risk of data exposure. [2]
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and extraction of sensitive personal or protected data from the database, which may result in non-compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA. Organizations affected by this vulnerability might face legal and regulatory consequences if personal data is exposed due to exploitation of this SQL injection flaw. [2]
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
This vulnerability can be detected by monitoring for suspicious AJAX POST requests to the Dynamically Display Posts plugin's endpoints such as 'mx_get_count_ddp_items', 'mx_get_ddp_items', 'mx_search_ddp_items', and 'mx_ddp_load_more_items'. These endpoints accept parameters like 'tax_query' which can be tested for SQL injection by sending crafted payloads that attempt to manipulate the SQL query. For detection on the system, you can use web application firewall (WAF) rules or intrusion detection systems (IDS) to look for SQL injection patterns in POST requests to these AJAX actions. Example commands for testing might include using curl to send POST requests with SQL injection payloads in the 'tax_query' parameter, e.g.: curl -X POST -d "action=mx_get_ddp_items&tax_query=' OR 1=1 -- " https://yourwordpresssite.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Additionally, scanning tools that detect SQL injection vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins can be used. [2]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Immediate mitigation steps include disabling or removing the Dynamically Display Posts plugin if it is not essential. If removal is not possible, restrict access to the vulnerable AJAX endpoints by limiting unauthenticated access, for example by requiring authentication or implementing stricter nonce verification. Applying a web application firewall (WAF) rule to block suspicious SQL injection attempts targeting the 'tax_query' parameter in these AJAX requests can help. Monitoring and logging AJAX requests to detect exploitation attempts is also recommended. Finally, update the plugin to a patched version once available. [2]