CVE-2025-27312 Overview
CVE-2025-27312 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the Jenst WP Sitemap WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all versions of wp-sitemap up to and including version 1.0. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands [CWE-89]. Authenticated attackers with low privileges can inject arbitrary SQL queries through vulnerable parameters. Successful exploitation exposes sensitive database contents and can affect resources beyond the plugin's scope. The issue carries network-level exploitability with low attack complexity.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract sensitive WordPress database contents, including user credentials and session data, by injecting crafted SQL payloads through the WP Sitemap plugin.
Affected Products
- Jenst WP Sitemap plugin for WordPress
- All versions from n/a through 1.0
- WordPress installations with the wp-sitemap plugin enabled
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-24 - CVE-2025-27312 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-27312
Vulnerability Analysis
The WP Sitemap plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classification falls under [CWE-89], improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. Attackers authenticated with at least subscriber-level privileges can submit crafted parameters that break out of the intended query context. The injected SQL executes with the privileges of the WordPress database user, typically granting full read access to the wp_users, wp_usermeta, and other core tables. The scope is marked as changed because exploitation impacts data beyond the vulnerable component itself. EPSS data places exploitation probability at 0.326 percent as of June 2026.
Root Cause
The plugin constructs SQL queries by concatenating user-controlled input directly into query strings without using parameterized statements or the $wpdb->prepare() function. WordPress provides built-in protections through prepared statements, but the WP Sitemap code paths bypass these safeguards. Special characters such as single quotes, comments, and UNION keywords pass through unfiltered.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network through standard HTTP or HTTPS requests. An attacker requires a valid low-privilege WordPress account to reach the vulnerable endpoint. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own session. The attacker submits a request to the plugin endpoint containing a malicious payload such as a UNION SELECT clause or boolean-based blind injection. The WordPress database returns sensitive data or behaves differently based on injected logic, allowing data exfiltration.
See the Patchstack WP Sitemap Plugin Vulnerability advisory for technical details on the affected code paths.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27312
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to WP Sitemap plugin endpoints containing SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, --, or ' OR '1'='1
- Unusual outbound queries or data exports from the WordPress MySQL database server
- Web server access logs showing repeated requests from low-privilege authenticated users with encoded SQL payloads
- Sudden spikes in database query duration that correlate with requests to wp-sitemap URLs
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for query string parameters containing SQL keywords directed at WP Sitemap routes
- Enable WordPress database query logging and review queries originating from the plugin for anomalous structure
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule set that flags SQL injection patterns against /wp-content/plugins/wp-sitemap/ paths
- Correlate authenticated user sessions with database error responses returned to the client
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress, web server, and database logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation
- Alert on authenticated users issuing requests that trigger MySQL syntax errors or slow query events
- Baseline normal traffic to the WP Sitemap plugin and alert on deviations in request volume or payload size
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27312
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable and remove the WP Sitemap plugin version 1.0 and earlier until a patched release is available
- Audit WordPress user accounts and revoke any unnecessary subscriber or contributor-level access
- Rotate WordPress database credentials and administrator passwords if exploitation is suspected
- Review database query logs for evidence of UNION-based or time-based blind SQL injection attempts
Patch Information
No vendor patch has been published in the NVD record as of the last modified date of June 17, 2026. Administrators should monitor the Patchstack advisory and the WordPress plugin directory for updates.
Workarounds
- Uninstall the WP Sitemap plugin and replace it with a maintained alternative such as the WordPress core sitemap feature
- Deploy WAF rules that block SQL keywords in requests to /wp-content/plugins/wp-sitemap/ paths
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin and authenticated areas through IP allowlists where feasible
- Enforce the principle of least privilege for the WordPress database user, removing rights such as FILE and DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
