CVE-2026-11977
Received Received - Intake

SQL Injection in WP Post Author WordPress Plugin

Publication date: 2026-08-05

Last updated on: 2026-08-05

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The WP Post Author – Author Box, Multiple Authors, Guest Authors & Custom Avatars plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to generic SQL Injection via the 'wpma_metabox_authors_list' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.9.1 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with author-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database. Exploitation is a two-step chain: an attacker first saves a crafted guest-author token via the wpma_metabox_authors_list parameter during post creation or editing, then triggers the injection when any admin user loads the post list screen at /wp-admin/edit.php, causing the injected SQL result to be rendered in the Authors column.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-05
Last Modified
2026-08-05
Generated
2026-08-05
AI Q&A
2026-08-05
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-11977
EUVD
EUVD-2026-53288

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
wordfence wp_post_author to 3.9.1 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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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

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Executive Summary

This is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the WP Post Author WordPress plugin up to version 3.9.1. It allows authenticated attackers with author-level access or higher to inject malicious SQL queries via the 'wpma_metabox_authors_list' parameter. The attack requires two steps: first, saving a crafted token during post creation, then triggering the injection when an admin views the post list screen.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability requires authenticated access with author-level privileges or higher. Check WordPress logs for suspicious post creation or editing actions involving the 'wpma_metabox_authors_list' parameter. Monitor database queries for unusual patterns or errors.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to extract sensitive data from the WordPress database, such as user credentials, personal information, or other confidential data. Attackers could also potentially modify or delete database contents.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to personal data, violating GDPR and HIPAA requirements for data protection and access controls. Organizations using this plugin may face compliance violations, legal penalties, and reputational damage if exploited.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the WP Post Author plugin to the latest version if available. If not, disable the plugin immediately. Restrict author-level user permissions to minimize attack surface. Review database access logs for signs of exploitation.

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