CVE-2025-28969 Overview
CVE-2025-28969 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the cybio Gallery Widget plugin for WordPress. The flaw affects all versions of the gallery-widget plugin up to and including 1.2.1. It stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands [CWE-89], allowing authenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax into database queries.
The vulnerability carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.5 and requires low-privilege authentication but no user interaction. Successful exploitation enables attackers to access sensitive database content and impact availability across the WordPress installation.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, exposing confidential data and disrupting site availability.
Affected Products
- cybio Gallery Widget plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 1.2.1
- WordPress sites with the gallery-widget plugin installed and active
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-04 - CVE-2025-28969 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-28969
Vulnerability Analysis
The Gallery Widget plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL statements. This classification falls under CWE-89, Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. An attacker with low privileges on the WordPress site can submit crafted parameters that alter query logic.
The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerable component can affect resources beyond its own security boundary. Confidentiality impact is high because attackers can extract arbitrary data from the WordPress database. Availability impact is low, while integrity remains unaffected based on the published vector.
The EPSS probability of 0.179% places exploitation likelihood in the lower percentile range, though WordPress plugin vulnerabilities frequently see opportunistic targeting once disclosed.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of parameterized queries or proper escaping in the plugin's database interaction code. User-controlled input flows directly into SQL statements without using WordPress's $wpdb->prepare() method or equivalent sanitization functions such as esc_sql().
Attack Vector
An authenticated user with low privileges sends crafted input through plugin endpoints that interact with the database. The malicious SQL syntax modifies the intended query, enabling data extraction through techniques such as UNION-based injection or boolean-based blind injection. Because the attack is network-accessible and requires no user interaction, automation against vulnerable sites is straightforward.
Technical details are documented in the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-28969
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA appearing in WordPress access logs targeting Gallery Widget endpoints
- Unexpected database errors logged by WordPress or MySQL referencing plugin functions
- Authenticated user accounts issuing requests with encoded or obfuscated payloads to gallery-widget URLs
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server logs for query strings containing SQL metacharacters directed at plugin endpoints
- Enable MySQL general query logging temporarily to identify malformed queries originating from the plugin
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection signatures tuned for WordPress plugin parameters
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track failed and successful logins from low-privilege accounts followed by anomalous plugin activity
- Alert on sudden spikes in database query volume or response times tied to Gallery Widget requests
- Correlate WordPress audit logs with network telemetry to identify post-exploitation data exfiltration patterns
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-28969
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the Gallery Widget plugin until a patched version is confirmed available
- Audit all WordPress user accounts and revoke unnecessary privileges, especially for contributor-level and above roles
- Review database access logs for evidence of prior exploitation, including unauthorized SELECT statements
Patch Information
No patched version beyond 1.2.1 is referenced in the available CVE data. Site administrators should consult the Patchstack advisory for vendor remediation updates and apply any released fix promptly.
Workarounds
- Remove the gallery-widget plugin entirely and substitute an actively maintained gallery solution
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative and contributor endpoints using IP allowlists at the web server or WAF layer
- Apply WAF virtual patching rules that block SQL injection patterns targeting plugin parameters until removal is complete
# Configuration example: disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate gallery-widget
wp plugin delete gallery-widget
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
