CVE-2025-24663 Overview
CVE-2025-24663 is a blind SQL Injection vulnerability in the Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin by mra13. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands [CWE-89]. It affects all versions of Simple Download Monitor up to and including 3.9.25. Authenticated users with high privileges can inject arbitrary SQL into backend database queries. Successful exploitation enables data exfiltration through inferential techniques and partial impact on database availability.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract sensitive data from the WordPress database via blind SQL injection, with scope change affecting resources beyond the vulnerable component.
Affected Products
- Simple Download Monitor plugin versions through 3.9.25
- WordPress sites running the mra13 Simple Download Monitor plugin
- Any deployment where authenticated high-privilege accounts can access vulnerable plugin endpoints
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-24 - CVE-2025-24663 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-24663
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Simple Download Monitor's handling of user-supplied input that flows into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. The plugin fails to neutralize special SQL characters before incorporating them into database statements. This classification falls under [CWE-89], Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.
Blind SQL injection means the application does not return query results or verbose database errors directly. Attackers instead infer data by observing application behavior, such as boolean response differences or time delays from injected payloads. The scope change indicates the vulnerable component can impact resources managed by other security authorities, such as the underlying WordPress database used by other plugins.
The EPSS probability is 0.058%, reflecting low observed exploitation activity at this time. However, the high confidentiality impact makes patching essential for sites storing customer or member data.
Root Cause
The root cause is the use of unsanitized input concatenated into SQL query strings within plugin functionality. The plugin does not employ prepared statements or the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API consistently across affected query paths. Special characters such as single quotes, comments, and boolean operators pass through to the database engine intact.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the WordPress site and an authenticated session with high privileges. The attacker submits crafted input containing SQL fragments to a vulnerable plugin endpoint. The injected payload alters the query logic, allowing the attacker to enumerate database schema, extract user credentials, or read sensitive content. Because the injection is blind, attackers typically use time-based or boolean-based inferential techniques to retrieve data character by character.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been published. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for advisory details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24663
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SELECT, UNION, SLEEP, or BENCHMARK patterns in WordPress request logs targeting Simple Download Monitor endpoints
- Unexpected slow response times on plugin pages, indicative of time-based blind SQL injection probes
- Repeated requests from authenticated high-privilege accounts with incrementally varied query parameters
Detection Strategies
- Monitor WordPress access logs for SQL metacharacters such as ', --, /*, and SQL keywords in plugin parameters
- Enable database query logging to identify malformed or anomalous statements originating from the plugin
- Deploy a web application firewall with SQL injection signatures tuned for WordPress plugin paths
Monitoring Recommendations
- Audit privileged WordPress accounts and review their recent activity for suspicious query patterns
- Alert on outbound data transfers from the database host that exceed historical baselines
- Track plugin version inventory and flag any site still running Simple Download Monitor 3.9.25 or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24663
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Simple Download Monitor to a version later than 3.9.25 once the vendor releases a patched release
- Audit and restrict high-privilege user accounts on affected WordPress installations
- Enforce multi-factor authentication for administrative and editor-level accounts
Patch Information
The vulnerability affects Simple Download Monitor versions through 3.9.25. Site administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest fixed version and apply it through the WordPress plugin manager.
Workarounds
- Temporarily deactivate the Simple Download Monitor plugin until a patched version is installed
- Apply web application firewall rules that block SQL metacharacters on plugin endpoints
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin interface using IP allowlisting where feasible
# Configuration example: deactivate plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate simple-download-monitor
wp plugin update simple-download-monitor
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
