CVE-2025-6986 Overview
The FileBird WordPress Media Library Folders & File Manager plugin contains a SQL injection vulnerability in the search parameter. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 6.4.8. The plugin fails to properly escape user-supplied input and does not adequately prepare the SQL query before execution. Authenticated attackers with Author-level access or higher can append arbitrary SQL statements to existing queries. This enables extraction of sensitive data from the WordPress database, including credentials, user information, and configuration secrets. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-89] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers with Author-level access can extract sensitive database contents through SQL injection in the FileBird plugin's search parameter.
Affected Products
- FileBird – WordPress Media Library Folders & File Manager plugin
- All versions up to and including 6.4.8
- WordPress sites permitting Author-level or higher user registration
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-06 - CVE-2025-6986 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-6986
Vulnerability Analysis
The FileBird plugin exposes a search parameter within its folder controller logic. The parameter value flows directly into an SQL query without adequate escaping or parameter binding. An authenticated user with Author privileges can inject SQL fragments through this parameter. The injected SQL executes with the database privileges assigned to the WordPress database user, which typically has full read and write access to the WordPress schema. Successful exploitation exposes sensitive tables such as wp_users and wp_options, which contain password hashes and site secrets.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient input sanitization combined with improper use of prepared statements. The FolderController.php component constructs SQL queries using concatenated string values from user input rather than parameterized queries with $wpdb->prepare(). WordPress provides safe database interaction APIs, but the vulnerable code path bypasses these protections. The lack of both escaping and parameter binding creates a classic SQL injection sink.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an authenticated session with Author-level access or higher. The attacker sends a crafted request containing malicious SQL syntax within the search parameter to the plugin's endpoint. The server appends the input to the existing query, executing the attacker-controlled SQL alongside legitimate database operations. Union-based injection techniques allow extraction of arbitrary column data from any table accessible to the WordPress database user. Blind and time-based techniques remain viable when direct output extraction is unavailable.
Review the vendor patch and technical analysis for query-construction specifics in the WordPress FileBird Source and the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-6986
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual search parameter values containing SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, SLEEP, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA in requests to FileBird endpoints
- Author-level accounts issuing repeated requests to plugin AJAX endpoints outside typical media management workflows
- Database query logs showing anomalous joins against wp_users, wp_usermeta, or wp_options originating from FileBird handlers
- Response time anomalies consistent with time-based blind SQL injection payloads
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that inspect and block SQL metacharacters within the search parameter of FileBird requests
- Enable MySQL general query logging on staging systems to identify malformed or injected query patterns
- Correlate WordPress authentication logs with FileBird API calls to identify Author accounts performing database reconnaissance
- Monitor for privilege escalation patterns following FileBird endpoint access, which may indicate credential extraction
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on any Author-level account accessing the FileBird REST or AJAX endpoints in high volumes
- Track outbound data volumes from PHP-FPM or Apache workers handling FileBird requests
- Review the WordPress Changeset Details to align detection signatures with the fixed code paths
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-6986
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the FileBird plugin to a version later than 6.4.8 immediately
- Audit all WordPress user accounts with Author-level access or higher and remove unnecessary privileges
- Rotate WordPress secret keys, database credentials, and administrator passwords if exploitation is suspected
- Review recent database access logs for evidence of unauthorized queries against sensitive tables
Patch Information
The vendor addressed the vulnerability in a FileBird release following version 6.4.8. The fix introduces proper use of $wpdb->prepare() with parameter binding for the search parameter. Apply the patch through the WordPress plugin update mechanism. Verify the installed version matches or exceeds the patched release before restoring normal operations.
Workarounds
- Restrict Author-level and higher accounts to trusted personnel only until patching is complete
- Deploy a web application firewall rule blocking SQL syntax in the search parameter of FileBird endpoints
- Temporarily disable the FileBird plugin if patching cannot be performed within an acceptable timeframe
- Enforce least-privilege configuration on the WordPress database user to limit query capability
# Update FileBird via WP-CLI
wp plugin update filebird
# Verify installed version exceeds 6.4.8
wp plugin get filebird --field=version
# List users with Author role or higher for audit
wp user list --role=author,editor,administrator --fields=ID,user_login,user_email,roles
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
