CVE-2025-27297 Overview
CVE-2025-27297 is a blind SQL injection vulnerability in the guelben Bravo Search & Replace WordPress plugin (bravo-search-and-replace). The flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.0. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can inject malicious SQL statements through unsanitized input parameters. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. Successful exploitation can expose sensitive database contents and disrupt site availability through crafted queries against the underlying WordPress database.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker can extract arbitrary database contents and impact site availability by injecting SQL payloads into the vulnerable plugin's search-and-replace functionality.
Affected Products
- guelben Bravo Search & Replace WordPress plugin (bravo-search-and-replace)
- All versions from n/a through 1.0
- WordPress installations using the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-24 - CVE-2025-27297 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-27297
Vulnerability Analysis
The Bravo Search & Replace plugin fails to neutralize special characters in SQL statements built from user-supplied input. Attackers inject crafted payloads that the plugin concatenates directly into database queries. Because the application does not return query output in HTTP responses, exploitation relies on blind SQL injection techniques. Attackers infer database contents through boolean-based or time-based payloads that change application behavior or response timing.
The vulnerability requires high privileges on the target WordPress instance, limiting exploitation to authenticated administrative users. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the impacted database extends beyond the plugin's security boundary. Confidentiality impact is high because attackers can extract sensitive data including user credentials, session tokens, and configuration values stored in the WordPress database.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing parameterization or input sanitization in SQL statements constructed by the plugin's search-and-replace routines. Developer code passes user-controlled values directly into database queries without using prepared statements or the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API. This permits arbitrary SQL fragments to alter query semantics.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires authentication with high privileges. An attacker submits a crafted search or replace string to the plugin endpoint. The application embeds the payload in a SQL query and executes it against the WordPress database. The attacker observes response differences or timing variations to extract data byte by byte. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Advisory for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27297
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SELECT, UNION, SLEEP, or BENCHMARK keywords in WordPress request logs targeting plugin endpoints
- HTTP requests to bravo-search-and-replace administrative pages containing SQL meta-characters such as single quotes, comments (--), or semicolons
- Anomalous database query latency originating from authenticated administrator sessions
- Repeated boolean-based requests differing only in payload values, indicative of blind SQL extraction
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for POST or GET parameters to plugin endpoints containing SQL syntax patterns
- Enable WordPress query logging or MySQL general query log to identify malformed or suspicious statements referencing plugin-related tables
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules tuned to SQL injection signatures for WordPress admin paths
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on administrator account activity that includes plugin configuration changes followed by database query spikes
- Monitor outbound traffic from the WordPress host for data exfiltration patterns
- Track plugin version inventory across managed WordPress sites to identify hosts running version 1.0 or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27297
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the Bravo Search & Replace plugin until a patched release is available
- Audit WordPress administrator accounts and rotate credentials for users who could have exploited the flaw
- Review database audit logs for evidence of injection attempts or unauthorized data access
- Apply WAF rules blocking SQL injection patterns against /wp-admin/ paths used by the plugin
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no fixed version is listed for the Bravo Search & Replace plugin. Versions through 1.0 remain vulnerable. Monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Advisory and the plugin's WordPress.org listing for updates.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin panel using IP allow-listing or VPN-only access
- Enforce least-privilege role assignment so only essential users hold administrator privileges
- Replace the plugin with an alternative search-and-replace tool that uses parameterized queries
- Implement multi-factor authentication on all administrator accounts to reduce credential abuse risk
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
