CVE-2026-17509
Deferred Deferred - Pending Action

SQL Injection in WPML Multilingual CMS Plugin

Publication date: 2026-09-08

Last updated on: 2026-09-08

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The WPML Multilingual CMS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the ‘elementIds’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 4.9.5 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 Subscriber-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database. This vulnerability is exploitable due to an authorization bypass where the registered authorization callback fails to execute, allowing any authenticated user regardless of role to access administrative translation functionalities.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-08
Last Modified
2026-09-08
Generated
2026-09-29
AI Q&A
2026-09-09
EPSS Evaluated
2026-09-27
NVD
CVE-2026-17509

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
wpml multilingual_cms to 4.9.5 (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.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a time-based SQL Injection in the WPML Multilingual CMS plugin for WordPress. It exists in versions up to 4.9.5 due to insufficient escaping of the 'elementIds' parameter and lack of proper SQL query preparation. Authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher can exploit this to inject additional SQL queries and extract sensitive database information.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability can be detected by checking the installed version of the WPML Multilingual CMS plugin. If the version is 4.9.5 or lower, the system is vulnerable. Review logs for unusual SQL queries or unauthorized access attempts, particularly from users with Subscriber-level access or higher.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to access sensitive data stored in your WordPress database, such as user credentials, personal information, or other confidential content. Since the vulnerability allows SQL query injection, it may lead to unauthorized data exposure or manipulation.

Compliance Impact

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

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update the WPML Multilingual CMS plugin to the latest version beyond 4.9.5. If an update is not available, consider disabling the plugin temporarily until a patch is released. Review user roles and permissions to ensure only necessary access is granted.

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