CVE-2025-39370: iCafe Library SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2025-39370 Overview

CVE-2025-39370 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the cnilsson iCafe Library plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands [CWE-89]. All versions up to and including 1.8.3 are affected. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can inject malicious SQL statements through plugin parameters. The vulnerability allows attackers to read sensitive database contents and impact availability. The issue is tracked under the Common Weakness Enumeration category for SQL Injection and was published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) on May 19, 2025.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, exposing sensitive data and disrupting service availability.

Affected Products

cnilsson iCafe Library WordPress plugin (icafe-library)
All versions from initial release through 1.8.3
WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin

Discovery Timeline

2025-05-19 - CVE-2025-39370 published to NVD
2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-39370

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the iCafe Library WordPress plugin where user-supplied input flows into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. An attacker authenticated with high-level privileges submits crafted input that the plugin concatenates directly into a SQL statement. The database engine then executes the injected query as part of the original statement. The scope is changed, meaning the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component to affect other resources within the WordPress environment. Successful exploitation results in high confidentiality impact and low availability impact, while integrity remains unaffected according to the CVSS metrics.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special characters in SQL queries [CWE-89]. The plugin code constructs SQL statements through string concatenation rather than using prepared statements with bound parameters. WordPress provides the $wpdb->prepare() method for safe query construction, but the affected code paths in icafe-library versions up to 1.8.3 bypass this safeguard.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based with low complexity. An attacker requires high privileges on the target WordPress instance, typically administrator or editor-level access. No user interaction is required. The attacker sends crafted HTTP requests to plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters in vulnerable parameters. The injected SQL executes within the WordPress database context, granting access to the wp_users table, options, and any other accessible schema objects. See the Patchstack SQL Injection Vulnerability advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-39370

Indicators of Compromise

Web server access logs containing SQL metacharacters such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, or encoded variants in requests targeting icafe-library plugin endpoints
Unexpected database errors logged by WordPress referencing the iCafe Library plugin
Anomalous outbound queries from the WordPress database user, including large result sets returned to authenticated admin sessions
New or modified rows in wp_users or wp_options originating from plugin request handlers

Detection Strategies

Inspect HTTP request parameters delivered to wp-admin endpoints registered by the iCafe Library plugin for SQL syntax patterns
Enable WordPress query logging and review queries originating from the plugin for unexpected UNION, SLEEP, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA references
Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) signature set tuned to WordPress plugin SQL injection patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

Monitor authenticated administrator and editor session activity for unusual access to plugin pages
Alert on database error spikes and slow query log entries correlated with plugin URLs
Track plugin file integrity and configuration changes through a file integrity monitoring tool

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-39370

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress sites running the iCafe Library plugin and inventory installed versions
Restrict administrator and editor account access using strong authentication and multi-factor enforcement
Apply principle of least privilege to the WordPress database user, limiting GRANT scope where feasible
Review audit logs for suspicious requests targeting plugin endpoints prior to remediation

Patch Information

The vulnerability affects all versions through 1.8.3. Refer to the Patchstack advisory for the latest patch status and update guidance from the plugin maintainer.

Workarounds

Deactivate and remove the iCafe Library plugin until a fixed version is available
Deploy a virtual patch via WAF rules blocking SQL metacharacters in plugin parameters
Restrict access to WordPress administrative endpoints by source IP address using web server access controls

bash

# Example: disable the plugin via WP-CLI until a fix is applied
wp plugin deactivate icafe-library
wp plugin delete icafe-library