CVE-2025-30819 Overview
CVE-2025-30819 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the Igor Benic Simple Giveaways (giveasap) WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 2.48.1. It stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands [CWE-89]. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can send crafted input over the network to execute arbitrary SQL statements against the WordPress database. The scope is changed, meaning the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component to other resources on the host.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract sensitive database contents and disrupt giveaway data integrity through injected SQL queries.
Affected Products
- Igor Benic Simple Giveaways (giveasap) WordPress plugin
- All versions from initial release through 2.48.1
- WordPress sites running the affected plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-27 - CVE-2025-30819 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-30819
Vulnerability Analysis
The Simple Giveaways plugin fails to properly neutralize special characters in user-controlled input before incorporating that input into SQL queries. An attacker authenticated with low privileges submits crafted parameters that the plugin concatenates into a database query. The database executes the resulting query, including attacker-supplied SQL fragments.
The vulnerability classification [CWE-89] indicates that input passes from a request directly to a query without parameterization or escaping. This pattern typically appears in custom queries that bypass the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() method or use it incorrectly.
Root Cause
The plugin constructs SQL statements by concatenating request parameters into query strings. It does not enforce parameterized queries or sanitize input through trusted WordPress APIs. Special characters such as single quotes, comments, and statement terminators reach the database engine intact.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires low-privilege authentication, such as a subscriber or contributor account. The attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a plugin endpoint that accepts giveaway-related parameters. The injected payload modifies the query logic to read arbitrary tables, including wp_users and wp_usermeta, exposing password hashes and session data.
For technical details on the injection point, see the Patchstack SQL Injection Analysis.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30819
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP POST or GET requests to Simple Giveaways plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as ', --, UNION, or SLEEP(.
- Database query logs showing unexpected UNION SELECT statements or queries referencing information_schema from plugin-originated calls.
- Spikes in failed or slow database queries originating from authenticated low-privilege user sessions.
Detection Strategies
- Enable WordPress query logging and review queries generated by the giveasap plugin for unparameterized parameters.
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) rule set that flags SQL injection patterns against /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php and plugin-specific URIs.
- Correlate authentication events for subscriber-tier accounts with subsequent database error responses or unusually large response payloads.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor outbound traffic from the WordPress host for unexpected database exfiltration patterns.
- Alert on creation of new administrator accounts or modifications to wp_options immediately following plugin-related requests.
- Track plugin endpoint access frequency per authenticated user and baseline normal usage to detect anomalies.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30819
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running Simple Giveaways version 2.48.1 or earlier and prioritize them for remediation.
- Restrict access to plugin endpoints at the network or WAF layer until a fixed version is available and applied.
- Audit existing user accounts and revoke unnecessary low-privilege roles that could be used to authenticate and exploit the flaw.
Patch Information
At the time of NVD publication, the vendor advisory tracked by Patchstack indicates the issue affects versions through 2.48.1. Site administrators should review the Patchstack SQL Injection Analysis for the latest fixed version guidance and upgrade as soon as a patched release is published.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the Simple Giveaways plugin until a patched version is installed.
- Apply WAF signatures that block SQL injection payloads targeting giveasap request parameters.
- Rotate WordPress database credentials and administrator passwords if exploitation is suspected.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
