CVE-2025-22710 Overview
CVE-2025-22710 is a blind SQL injection vulnerability in the StoreApps Smart Manager plugin (smart-manager-for-wp-e-commerce) for WordPress. The flaw affects all plugin versions from unspecified initial releases up to and including 8.52.0. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. Authenticated attackers with high privileges can inject arbitrary SQL statements into backend queries. Successful exploitation compromises the confidentiality of the WordPress database and can affect availability. The scope is marked as changed, meaning impact extends beyond the vulnerable component. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without user interaction.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract sensitive data from the WordPress database through blind SQL injection, exposing customer records, credentials, and e-commerce transaction data.
Affected Products
- StoreApps Smart Manager for WP e-Commerce plugin versions up to and including 8.52.0
- WordPress installations using the smart-manager-for-wp-e-commerce plugin
- WooCommerce stores relying on Smart Manager for bulk product and order management
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-21 - CVE-2025-22710 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-22710
Vulnerability Analysis
The Smart Manager plugin extends WordPress and WooCommerce with spreadsheet-style bulk editing for products, orders, and customer records. The plugin constructs SQL queries that incorporate user-supplied input without sufficient sanitization or parameterization. Attackers holding administrative or high-privilege accounts can submit crafted parameters that alter query logic. Because the injection is blind, attackers infer results from boolean conditions or time-based delays rather than direct output. The scope change indicated in the CVSS vector reflects that the impacted database contains data belonging to the entire WordPress site, not only the plugin. This exposes core WordPress tables such as wp_users, wp_usermeta, and WooCommerce order tables.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special characters in SQL commands [CWE-89]. Input handlers within the plugin concatenate request parameters directly into SQL statements. Standard defensive mechanisms such as wpdb->prepare() with placeholders are either missing or bypassed on specific code paths within Smart Manager version 8.52.0 and earlier.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network against the WordPress admin surface. The attacker must first authenticate with high privileges, typically an administrator or shop manager role. Once authenticated, the attacker submits crafted requests to Smart Manager endpoints that process filtering, searching, or bulk-edit operations. The injected payload manipulates the underlying SQL query to exfiltrate data through boolean-based or time-based blind techniques. Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Analysis for parameter-level details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22710
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to wp-admin/admin.php or admin-ajax.php endpoints containing Smart Manager actions with SQL metacharacters such as UNION, SLEEP(, BENCHMARK(, or IF(
- Anomalous query durations in the MySQL slow query log tied to Smart Manager AJAX handlers
- Unusual spikes in database read volume from administrative sessions accessing the plugin
Detection Strategies
- Enable and review WordPress debug logging and MySQL general query logs to correlate SQL statements with Smart Manager request parameters
- Deploy web application firewall rules that inspect Smart Manager plugin endpoints for SQL injection payload signatures
- Baseline expected query patterns from the plugin and alert on deviations such as nested subqueries or time-delay functions
Monitoring Recommendations
- Audit WordPress user accounts with administrator or shop manager roles and monitor session activity against the plugin
- Forward WordPress access logs and MySQL error logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation across authentication and database layers
- Alert on any use of SLEEP, BENCHMARK, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA references originating from plugin request contexts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22710
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Smart Manager plugin to a version later than 8.52.0 once the vendor publishes a patched release
- Restrict administrative and shop manager accounts to trusted personnel and enforce multi-factor authentication on those accounts
- Rotate database credentials and WordPress secrets if suspicious activity is detected in logs
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the vulnerability affects Smart Manager versions up to and including 8.52.0. Site operators should consult the Patchstack SQL Injection Analysis for the fixed version and vendor advisory. Apply the update through the WordPress plugin manager or by replacing the plugin directory with the patched release.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the Smart Manager plugin until a patched version is installed if bulk editing is not business-critical
- Deploy a virtual patch through Patchstack or an equivalent WordPress-aware WAF to block injection payloads targeting the plugin
- Limit access to wp-admin by IP allowlisting to reduce the attack surface for authenticated exploitation
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
