CVE-2026-1317: WP Import Plugin SQL Injection Flaw

CVE-2026-1317 Overview

CVE-2026-1317 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the WP Import – Ultimate CSV XML Importer plugin for WordPress in all versions up to and including 7.37. The vulnerability stems from insufficient escaping on the file_name parameter, which is stored in the database during file upload and subsequently used in raw SQL queries without proper sanitization. This allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher to append malicious SQL queries to existing database queries via a specially crafted filename.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers can extract sensitive information from the WordPress database, potentially exposing user credentials, personally identifiable information, and other confidential data stored within the site.

Affected Products

• WP Import – Ultimate CSV XML Importer for WordPress versions ≤ 7.37
• WordPress installations running PHP versions below 8.0
• Sites with the 'Single Import/Export' option enabled

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-18 - CVE CVE-2026-1317 published to NVD
• 2026-02-18 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-1317

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability (CWE-89) exists within the file upload handling mechanism of the WP Import – Ultimate CSV XML Importer plugin. When users upload files through the import functionality, the file_name parameter is captured and stored in the database. The critical flaw occurs when this stored filename is later retrieved and incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization.

The vulnerability requires specific conditions to be exploitable: the target WordPress installation must be running a PHP version below 8.0, and the 'Single Import/Export' option must be enabled within the plugin settings. The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability allows remote exploitation, though authentication at the Subscriber level or higher is required.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation and insufficient output encoding when handling the file_name parameter. The plugin fails to properly escape or sanitize user-controlled filename input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This violates secure coding practices that mandate the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries when handling any user-supplied data that interacts with database operations.

The vulnerable code paths can be observed in the LogManager.php and UrlUpload.php files within the plugin.

Attack Vector

An authenticated attacker with at least Subscriber-level privileges can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a file with a maliciously crafted filename containing SQL injection payloads. When the filename is processed and stored, subsequent database queries that reference this filename will execute the injected SQL code. This allows the attacker to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, email addresses, and other stored data.

The attack requires network access to the WordPress installation and valid authentication credentials with minimal privileges. No user interaction beyond the initial authentication is required for exploitation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-1317

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file upload activity with filenames containing SQL syntax characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or UNION statements
• Database query logs showing malformed or concatenated SQL statements originating from the CSV Importer plugin
• Unexpected data extraction patterns or database enumeration attempts in server access logs
• Authentication logs showing Subscriber-level accounts performing import/export operations

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress upload directories for files with suspicious naming patterns containing SQL injection syntax
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts in file upload requests
• Review database query logs for anomalous SELECT statements that may indicate data exfiltration attempts
• Enable detailed WordPress audit logging to track plugin-related file operations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure real-time alerting for SQL error messages that may indicate injection attempts
• Implement file integrity monitoring on the wp-ultimate-csv-importer plugin directory
• Monitor user activity logs for Subscriber accounts performing unexpected import/export operations
• Review server access logs for patterns consistent with automated SQL injection attacks

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-1317

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the WP Import – Ultimate CSV XML Importer plugin to the latest patched version beyond 7.37
• Disable the 'Single Import/Export' option if the feature is not actively required
• Upgrade PHP to version 8.0 or higher to mitigate the specific exploitation conditions
• Review user accounts and remove or restrict unnecessary Subscriber-level access
• Audit database access logs for potential prior exploitation

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been addressed in the plugin update documented in WordPress Changeset #3445414. Site administrators should update to the latest available version of the WP Import – Ultimate CSV XML Importer plugin immediately. Additional technical details are available in the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Temporarily disable the WP Import – Ultimate CSV XML Importer plugin until the patch can be applied
• Restrict the 'Single Import/Export' feature access to only Administrator-level users
• Implement WAF rules to filter SQL injection patterns in file upload request parameters
• Upgrade the server PHP version to 8.0 or higher as a mitigation for the specific attack conditions
• Review and restrict the user role capabilities that have access to the import functionality

# Configuration example
# Disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI until patched
wp plugin deactivate wp-ultimate-csv-importer

# Check current PHP version
php -v

# Update the plugin to the latest patched version
wp plugin update wp-ultimate-csv-importer