CVE-2025-52821 Overview
CVE-2025-52821 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the thanhtungtnt Video List Manager WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.7. Attackers with low-privilege authenticated access can inject arbitrary SQL statements through unsanitized input parameters. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-89] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.
The issue carries network-based exploitability with a changed scope, meaning a successful attack can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component. Confidentiality impact is high, enabling exposure of database contents including user records.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can extract sensitive WordPress database contents and degrade availability of the affected site through crafted SQL payloads.
Affected Products
- thanhtungtnt Video List Manager plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 1.7
- WordPress sites running the video-list-manager plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-20 - CVE CVE-2025-52821 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-52821
Vulnerability Analysis
The Video List Manager plugin fails to properly neutralize special elements in SQL commands constructed from user-supplied input. User-controlled parameters reach SQL queries without parameterization or escaping through WordPress core functions such as $wpdb->prepare().
Exploitation requires only low-privilege authentication, which on many WordPress installations corresponds to a subscriber or contributor account. The scope change indicated in the CVSS vector means the injected SQL can access tables and data outside the plugin's intended boundary. This includes the wp_users table containing password hashes and session tokens.
The EPSS score of 0.261% places exploitation probability in the lower percentile, but WordPress plugin SQL injection flaws are frequently weaponized once public proofs of concept emerge.
Root Cause
The root cause is direct concatenation of user input into SQL query strings within the plugin's request handlers. The plugin does not invoke prepared statements or apply input sanitization functions such as esc_sql() or sanitize_text_field() before passing values to the database layer.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker submits crafted HTTP requests to plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters in expected parameters. The injected payload executes within the WordPress database context, allowing UNION-based extraction, blind boolean inference, or time-based data exfiltration.
The vulnerability mechanism follows the standard pattern for WordPress plugin SQL injection: an admin-ajax handler or REST endpoint accepts a parameter that flows unsanitized into a $wpdb->query() or $wpdb->get_results() call. Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for endpoint-specific details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-52821
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, or 0x hex strings in WordPress access logs targeting plugin endpoints
- Unexpected outbound database queries originating from the video-list-manager plugin paths
- Anomalous response times on plugin endpoints indicating time-based blind injection attempts
- New or modified administrator accounts in wp_users without corresponding audit trail entries
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server logs for requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php or plugin URLs containing SQL keywords in query strings or POST bodies
- Enable WordPress database query logging to identify malformed or unusually long SQL statements
- Deploy a web application firewall with SQL injection signatures tuned for WordPress plugin parameters
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track authentication events for low-privilege accounts followed by repeated requests to plugin endpoints
- Alert on database errors in PHP logs that may indicate injection probing
- Monitor file integrity on WordPress core and plugin directories for unauthorized modifications post-exploitation
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-52821
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the Video List Manager plugin until a patched version is confirmed available
- Audit all WordPress user accounts and revoke unnecessary low-privilege access
- Rotate WordPress secret keys in wp-config.php and force password resets for all users
- Review database contents for unauthorized modifications or new administrator accounts
Patch Information
No fixed version has been published as of the last NVD update. Affected versions span from initial release through 1.7. Monitor the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for patch availability.
Workarounds
- Remove the video-list-manager plugin directory from wp-content/plugins/ if a patch is unavailable
- Restrict access to WordPress authenticated endpoints using IP allowlisting at the web server or WAF layer
- Configure a virtual patch in your WAF to block SQL metacharacters in parameters targeting plugin URLs
- Apply principle of least privilege by ensuring no untrusted users hold accounts on the affected site
# Disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate video-list-manager
wp plugin delete video-list-manager
# Verify removal
wp plugin list --status=active
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
