CVE-2025-26898 Overview
CVE-2025-26898 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the Shinetheme Traveler WordPress theme. The flaw affects all versions of Traveler up to and including 3.2.1. Attackers can exploit the issue remotely over the network without authentication or user interaction. The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89], allowing injected SQL syntax to reach the backend database. Successful exploitation can expose sensitive database contents and impact the integrity of dependent components within the WordPress site. The vendor advisory is published through Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can inject SQL statements that disclose confidential database records and affect dependent application components on WordPress sites running the Traveler theme.
Affected Products
- Shinetheme Traveler WordPress theme — versions up to and including 3.2.1
- WordPress sites bundling the vulnerable Traveler theme
- Travel booking deployments built on the Traveler theme prior to the fixed release
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-27 - CVE-2025-26898 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-26898
Vulnerability Analysis
The Traveler theme fails to properly neutralize special SQL syntax elements supplied through attacker-controlled input. An unauthenticated remote attacker submits crafted parameters to a vulnerable endpoint exposed by the theme. The backend concatenates that input into a SQL query without parameterized binding or sufficient sanitization. The database then executes attacker-supplied SQL fragments alongside the intended query logic.
The scope is marked as changed, meaning the injection can affect components beyond the initially vulnerable theme code, such as other plugins or the WordPress core data tier sharing the same database. Confidentiality impact is high because attackers can extract user records, booking details, and password hashes. Availability impact is low, while direct integrity impact through this vector is not the primary outcome.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incomplete input neutralization before SQL query construction in the Traveler theme code paths. The theme builds queries through string concatenation rather than using prepared statements with $wpdb->prepare(). Special characters such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment sequences pass directly into the query string. This pattern is classified under [CWE-89] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network with low attack complexity and no privileges required. An attacker crafts an HTTP request targeting a vulnerable parameter handled by the Traveler theme. The payload contains SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT clauses or boolean-based blind injection probes. Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for affected endpoint details.
No public exploit is currently listed in Exploit-DB, and the issue is not present on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog at this time.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-26898
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Traveler theme endpoints containing SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA.
- Web server logs showing encoded payloads with characters like %27, %23, or -- in query parameters handled by the theme.
- Unusual database query latency or error messages referencing SQL syntax originating from theme files under /wp-content/themes/traveler/.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web access logs for anomalous query parameter values targeting Traveler theme AJAX or search handlers.
- Enable WordPress and database query logging to identify malformed or unexpected SQL statements during theme execution.
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) ruleset that flags SQL injection signatures against WordPress theme endpoints.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on repeated 500-level responses or sudden spikes in request volume to Traveler theme URLs.
- Monitor database accounts used by WordPress for queries reading from wp_users, wp_usermeta, or backup tables outside normal application flow.
- Forward web server and database logs to centralized analytics for correlation across reconnaissance and exploitation activity.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-26898
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress installations running the Shinetheme Traveler theme at version 3.2.1 or earlier.
- Update the Traveler theme to the vendor-supplied fixed release referenced in the Patchstack advisory.
- Restrict access to administrative and booking endpoints behind a WAF until patching completes.
- Rotate database credentials and WordPress secret keys if exploitation indicators are present.
Patch Information
Upgrade the Traveler theme beyond version 3.2.1 to the release that addresses CVE-2025-26898. Patch and version details are maintained in the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory. Confirm the theme version in wp-content/themes/traveler/style.css after upgrading.
Workarounds
- Deploy WAF rules that block SQL injection payloads on requests targeting /wp-content/themes/traveler/ and associated AJAX handlers.
- Restrict the WordPress database user privileges to the minimum required, removing FILE, CREATE, and DROP rights where feasible.
- Disable or remove the Traveler theme on sites that cannot be patched immediately and switch to a maintained alternative.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
