CVE-2025-25112 Overview
CVE-2025-25112 is a SQL Injection vulnerability [CWE-89] affecting the kareemsultan Social Links WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. Attackers with high privileges can inject malicious SQL statements through the plugin, potentially leading to command line execution via SQL Injection. The vulnerability affects all versions of Social Links from n/a through 1.2.
The issue carries a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.6 with vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:L. The scope change indicates that exploitation can impact resources beyond the vulnerable component.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables command line execution through SQL Injection, exposing the underlying database and host environment to authenticated attackers.
Affected Products
- kareemsultan Social Links plugin for WordPress
- All versions up to and including 1.2
- WordPress installations with the social-links plugin enabled
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-03 - CVE-2025-25112 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-25112
Vulnerability Analysis
The Social Links plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classic SQL Injection flaw [CWE-89] allows attackers to manipulate query logic by injecting crafted SQL syntax through plugin parameters. Because the vulnerability scope is marked as Changed, the impact extends beyond the WordPress database to potentially affect operating system resources.
According to the advisory, the flaw allows Command Line Execution through SQL Injection. This indicates the database connection has sufficient privileges to invoke functions that interact with the host operating system, such as xp_cmdshell-style features or SELECT INTO OUTFILE operations writing PHP webshells into web-accessible directories.
The EPSS probability is 0.301% with a percentile of 53.7, indicating moderate likelihood of exploitation activity compared to other published CVEs.
Root Cause
The root cause is the use of unparameterized SQL queries that concatenate untrusted input directly into query strings. The plugin code does not apply WordPress sanitization helpers such as wpdb::prepare(), esc_sql(), or sanitize_text_field() before passing parameters into database calls. This leaves the SQL parser to interpret attacker-supplied metacharacters as query syntax.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is Network with Low complexity, but requires High privileges. An authenticated administrator or equivalent user must reach a vulnerable plugin endpoint. The attacker supplies SQL metacharacters through plugin parameters, breaking out of the intended query context. From there, the attacker can read arbitrary database content, write files to disk, or invoke system commands depending on database server permissions.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is currently available. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-25112
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected SQL syntax in WordPress access logs targeting social-links plugin endpoints
- New PHP files appearing in wp-content/uploads/ or plugin directories
- Outbound network connections from the web server to attacker-controlled infrastructure
- Unexpected wp_options modifications or new administrator accounts created via SQL
Detection Strategies
- Monitor HTTP requests to plugin URIs containing SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, SLEEP(, INTO OUTFILE, or encoded equivalents
- Inspect MySQL general query logs for malformed queries originating from the WordPress database user
- Alert on web server processes spawning shell binaries such as /bin/sh, bash, or cmd.exe
- Apply Web Application Firewall rules tuned for WordPress plugin SQL Injection patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress audit logging for plugin parameter values and administrator actions
- Centralize web server, PHP, and MySQL logs into a SIEM for correlation
- Track file integrity for the wp-content/plugins/social-links/ directory
- Baseline expected database queries and alert on deviations from the WordPress user account
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-25112
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the Social Links plugin until a fixed version is confirmed available
- Audit WordPress administrator accounts and rotate credentials for privileged users
- Review database logs for evidence of SQL Injection activity prior to remediation
- Restrict database user privileges so the WordPress account cannot execute file or system operations
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no vendor patch beyond version 1.2 is referenced in the available advisory data. Monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report and the official WordPress plugin repository for updated releases addressing CVE-2025-25112.
Workarounds
- Remove the social-links plugin entirely if it is not business-critical
- Deploy a virtual patch through a Web Application Firewall blocking SQL metacharacters in plugin parameters
- Limit WordPress administrator role assignments to reduce the attacker pool able to exploit the high-privilege requirement
- Configure the MySQL user backing WordPress with the minimum privileges required, denying FILE and system-level functions
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
