CVE-2025-30947 Overview
CVE-2025-30947 is a Blind SQL Injection vulnerability in the gopiplus Cool Fade Popup plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands [CWE-89]. It affects all plugin versions up to and including 10.1. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can inject SQL syntax over the network to manipulate backend database queries. Because the injection is blind, attackers infer query results from response timing or behavior rather than direct output.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract sensitive database contents from affected WordPress sites and impact application availability through crafted SQL payloads. The scope is changed, meaning impact can extend beyond the vulnerable component.
Affected Products
- gopiplus Cool Fade Popup WordPress plugin (cool-fade-popup)
- All versions from n/a through <= 10.1
- WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-04 - CVE-2025-30947 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-30947
Vulnerability Analysis
The Cool Fade Popup plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL statements. This category of flaw, classified under [CWE-89], allows attackers to alter the structure of queries executed by the WordPress database backend. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network and requires only low-privilege authenticated access, with no user interaction. The Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) places this issue in the lower percentile of exploited vulnerabilities at the time of analysis, but the broad install base of WordPress plugins makes proactive remediation important.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of parameterized queries or proper escaping when handling input passed to database operations within the plugin. User-controllable parameters reach SQL execution routines without being filtered through WordPress core APIs such as $wpdb->prepare(). As a result, attacker-controlled values can break out of intended query context and inject additional SQL clauses.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker submits crafted input to a plugin endpoint that triggers a backend SQL query. Because the injection is blind, the attacker uses techniques such as boolean-based or time-based payloads to infer query outcomes. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of WordPress user data, password hashes from wp_users, session tokens, and other database contents. The changed scope indicates that impact can reach resources beyond the vulnerable plugin itself.
No public proof-of-concept code is available at the time of writing. Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Vulnerability advisory for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30947
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL syntax in WordPress access logs, particularly UNION, SLEEP, BENCHMARK, or boolean conditions in query string parameters reaching cool-fade-popup endpoints
- Repeated requests to plugin URLs with incrementally changing payload parameters indicative of blind SQL probing
- Long response times correlated with requests to plugin endpoints, suggesting time-based blind injection
- Database error messages or anomalous entries in error_log referencing plugin-related queries
Detection Strategies
- Deploy a web application firewall rule set that flags SQL keywords in parameters routed to /wp-content/plugins/cool-fade-popup/ paths
- Inventory all WordPress installations and identify hosts running Cool Fade Popup at version 10.1 or earlier
- Enable MySQL or MariaDB general query logging temporarily to identify malformed queries originating from the plugin
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress access logs, PHP error logs, and database logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Alert on authenticated user accounts generating high volumes of requests to plugin administrative endpoints
- Track outbound database connections and unusual data egress that may indicate post-exploitation data extraction
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30947
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the Cool Fade Popup plugin at version 10.1 or earlier
- Disable or uninstall the plugin until a patched release is verified and deployed
- Rotate WordPress administrator credentials and database passwords if exploitation is suspected
- Review audit logs for unauthorized account creation, privilege changes, or data access
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the advisory lists affected versions through <= 10.1 with no confirmed fixed version. Monitor the Patchstack SQL Injection Vulnerability advisory and the plugin's WordPress repository page for an updated release, and apply the patch immediately when available.
Workarounds
- Remove the cool-fade-popup plugin directory from wp-content/plugins/ until a patch is released
- Restrict access to plugin endpoints using web server access controls or a WAF until remediation is complete
- Apply the principle of least privilege to WordPress accounts, limiting the number of authenticated users who can reach vulnerable endpoints
- Enforce database user permissions so the WordPress MySQL account holds only the privileges required for normal operation
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
