CVE-2025-22716: Taskbuilder SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2025-22716 Overview

CVE-2025-22716 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the Taskbuilder WordPress plugin through version 3.0.6. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands [CWE-89]. Authenticated attackers with low privileges can inject malicious SQL statements into database queries via the network. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying WordPress database.

The vulnerability was disclosed through Patchstack's WordPress vulnerability coordination program. All Taskbuilder plugin versions up to and including 3.0.6 are affected.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract, modify, or destroy WordPress database contents through crafted SQL payloads, potentially leading to full site compromise.

Affected Products

Taskbuilder WordPress Plugin versions through 3.0.6
WordPress installations with the Taskbuilder plugin enabled
Sites permitting low-privileged authenticated user access to Taskbuilder functionality

Discovery Timeline

2025-01-21 - CVE-2025-22716 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-22716

Vulnerability Analysis

The Taskbuilder plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classification aligns with [CWE-89], Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. Attackers exploit this weakness by submitting crafted parameters that break out of the intended query context.

The attack requires network access and low-level authentication. No user interaction is needed to trigger the injection. Successful exploitation grants read and write access to the WordPress database, including the wp_users table containing password hashes and session tokens.

An exploit against this vulnerability has an EPSS score of 0.416%, indicating current probability of observed exploitation activity remains low. However, WordPress plugin flaws routinely see mass-scanning by automated attack tooling.

Root Cause

The root cause is the use of unsanitized user input in database query construction within the Taskbuilder plugin code. The plugin concatenates request parameters directly into SQL statements rather than using parameterized queries or the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API. This design allows attacker-controlled data to alter query semantics.

Attack Vector

Attackers authenticate with any low-privileged WordPress account, such as a subscriber or contributor. They then submit HTTP requests to vulnerable Taskbuilder endpoints containing SQL metacharacters. The injected payload executes within the database context of the WordPress site, exposing all accessible tables.

The vulnerability mechanism involves manipulating request parameters processed by Taskbuilder's data-handling routines. Consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for technical specifics on the vulnerable endpoint.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22716

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual database queries in MySQL slow query logs containing UNION SELECT, SLEEP(), or INFORMATION_SCHEMA references originating from Taskbuilder plugin endpoints
Unexpected new administrator accounts or modified user roles in the wp_users and wp_usermeta tables
Web server access logs showing repeated requests to Taskbuilder plugin URLs with encoded SQL metacharacters such as %27, %20OR%20, or --
Outbound network connections from the WordPress host to unfamiliar IP addresses following authenticated user activity

Detection Strategies

Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that identify SQL injection patterns targeting /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php and Taskbuilder REST endpoints
Monitor authentication logs for low-privileged accounts making unusual volumes of requests to plugin URLs
Enable WordPress query logging and alert on queries containing suspicious keywords originating from plugin code paths

Monitoring Recommendations

Ingest WordPress access logs, MySQL query logs, and PHP error logs into a centralized SIEM for correlation
Baseline normal Taskbuilder plugin usage patterns and alert on deviations in request rate or parameter structure
Track file integrity of the wp-content/plugins/taskbuilder/ directory to identify unauthorized modifications following exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22716

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Taskbuilder plugin to a version later than 3.0.6 as soon as a patched release is available from the vendor
Audit all WordPress user accounts and remove unused low-privileged accounts that could serve as authentication footholds
Review database logs and user tables for signs of prior exploitation, including unauthorized administrator accounts
Rotate credentials, secret keys, and salts defined in wp-config.php if compromise is suspected

Patch Information

Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for current patch status. Site administrators should subscribe to Patchstack or the plugin vendor's security notifications to receive updates when a fixed version is released.

Workarounds

Deactivate and remove the Taskbuilder plugin until a patched version is installed
Restrict access to WordPress registration and authentication endpoints using IP allowlisting where feasible
Deploy a WAF with rulesets tuned to block SQL injection patterns against WordPress admin and AJAX endpoints
Enforce the principle of least privilege by removing any custom capabilities granted to subscriber or contributor roles

bash

# Disable the Taskbuilder plugin via WP-CLI until a patch is applied
wp plugin deactivate taskbuilder
wp plugin delete taskbuilder

# Verify no residual plugin files remain
ls -la wp-content/plugins/ | grep -i taskbuilder