CVE-2025-39474 Overview
CVE-2025-39474 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the ThemeMove Amely WordPress theme. The flaw affects all versions of Amely up to and including 3.1.4. Attackers can exploit improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands [CWE-89] to inject arbitrary SQL queries. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication or user interaction.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can extract sensitive database contents, modify records, and compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of WordPress sites running the Amely theme.
Affected Products
- ThemeMove Amely WordPress theme versions up to and including 3.1.4
- WordPress installations using the vulnerable Amely theme
- Sites with the Amely theme active in production environments
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-27 - CVE-2025-39474 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-39474
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands within the Amely theme. User-supplied input reaches SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can inject crafted SQL fragments that alter query logic and access data beyond the intended scope.
Because the flaw requires no authentication, any remote attacker who can reach the WordPress site can trigger the vulnerable code path. Successful exploitation allows reading arbitrary database contents, including WordPress user credentials, session tokens, and sensitive configuration values stored in wp_options.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of prepared statements or input validation in database queries handled by the Amely theme. Developers concatenated untrusted input directly into SQL statements rather than using the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API. This classic injection pattern [CWE-89] allows attacker-controlled syntax to alter query semantics.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and unauthenticated. An attacker sends crafted HTTP requests containing malicious SQL payloads to vulnerable theme endpoints. The injection executes within the database context of the WordPress site. No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available at this time.
For technical details, refer to the Patchstack Amely Theme Vulnerability advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-39474
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected SQL syntax patterns in HTTP request parameters, including UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, comment sequences (--, /*), and encoded variants
- Anomalous database queries originating from theme PHP files in /wp-content/themes/amely/
- Unusual outbound data flows or large response sizes from WordPress pages rendered by the Amely theme
- New or modified WordPress administrator accounts and unexpected entries in wp_users or wp_usermeta
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for query strings containing SQL keywords, quote characters, and URL-encoded injection payloads
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with SQL injection signature rules tuned for WordPress traffic
- Monitor MySQL or MariaDB query logs for malformed statements or queries referencing system tables such as information_schema
- Compare installed theme files against the vendor distribution to detect tampering
Monitoring Recommendations
- Centralize WordPress, web server, and database logs in a SIEM for correlation across request, application, and query layers
- Alert on authentication failures followed by successful logins from the same IP, which may indicate credential theft via injection
- Track changes to privileged WordPress accounts and to the wp_options table
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-39474
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the Amely theme at version 3.1.4 or earlier
- Apply the vendor patch as soon as ThemeMove publishes a fixed release
- Restrict access to the WordPress site behind a WAF with SQL injection protection enabled while patching is pending
- Rotate WordPress administrator passwords, API keys, and database credentials if exploitation is suspected
Patch Information
The vulnerability affects Amely through version 3.1.4. Consult the Patchstack advisory for the latest fixed version information from ThemeMove. Update the theme through the WordPress admin dashboard or by replacing the theme directory with the patched release.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the Amely theme and switch to an unaffected theme until a patched version is available
- Deploy WAF rules that block requests containing SQL metacharacters targeting Amely theme endpoints
- Restrict database user permissions so the WordPress account has only the privileges required for normal operation
- Enable database query logging and review entries for evidence of injection attempts during the exposure window
# Example: identify WordPress sites running Amely
wp theme list --format=csv | grep -i amely
# Example: update the Amely theme once a patched release is available
wp theme update amely
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
