CVE-2026-14554 Overview
CVE-2026-14554 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting the Check & Log Email WordPress plugin in versions prior to 2.0.15. The plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries. Authenticated users with administrator privileges can inject arbitrary SQL statements through the affected parameters. The flaw is classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).
Critical Impact
An authenticated administrator can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, exposing or altering sensitive data such as user credentials, session tokens, and site content.
Affected Products
- Check & Log Email WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.0.15
- WordPress installations with the vulnerable plugin activated
- Sites where administrator accounts may be compromised or shared
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-31 - CVE-2026-14554 published to NVD
- 2026-07-31 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-14554
Vulnerability Analysis
The Check & Log Email plugin extends WordPress with email logging and debugging features for administrators. In versions before 2.0.15, one or more request parameters flow into SQL query construction without being passed through esc_sql(), $wpdb->prepare(), or an equivalent parameterized query mechanism. An administrator can supply crafted input that breaks out of the intended query context and appends attacker-controlled SQL.
The attack requires authenticated access at the administrator level, which limits the practical attack surface. However, the impact extends beyond what an administrator can already accomplish through the WordPress dashboard. Direct SQL execution enables data extraction through UNION-based or time-based techniques, bypasses application-layer restrictions, and can be chained with compromised admin credentials obtained through phishing or credential stuffing.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input sanitization and lack of prepared statements in database query construction. Parameters received from HTTP requests are concatenated directly into SQL strings. WordPress provides the $wpdb->prepare() API specifically to prevent this class of flaw, and the vulnerable code path does not use it consistently.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network against the WordPress admin interface. An attacker with administrator credentials sends a crafted HTTP request to the plugin endpoint, embedding SQL metacharacters in the vulnerable parameter. The injected payload executes with the database privileges of the WordPress user, typically permitting read and write access to all tables including wp_users and wp_usermeta.
See the WPScan Vulnerability Report for technical details on the affected parameter and payload structure.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-14554
Indicators of Compromise
- Administrator-initiated HTTP requests to Check & Log Email plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, --, or /*
- Unexpected new administrator accounts in wp_users or modified rows in wp_options
- Anomalous database query patterns in MySQL general or slow query logs originating from the WordPress PHP process
- Outbound connections from the web server following administrator plugin activity
Detection Strategies
- Enable and review WordPress access logs for POST and GET requests to Check & Log Email admin-ajax or admin-post handlers with suspicious query parameters
- Deploy a web application firewall rule set that flags SQL injection signatures on authenticated admin routes
- Enable MySQL query logging and alert on queries containing plugin-related table access combined with tautologies or stacked statements
Monitoring Recommendations
- Correlate administrator session activity with database anomalies through centralized log aggregation
- Monitor plugin version inventory across WordPress fleets and alert when Check & Log Email is below 2.0.15
- Track administrator login sources and flag logins from unusual geolocations or IP ranges preceding plugin usage
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-14554
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Check & Log Email plugin to version 2.0.15 or later on all WordPress instances
- Audit administrator accounts and revoke access for unused or unnecessary admin users
- Rotate WordPress administrator passwords and enforce multi-factor authentication on all admin accounts
- Review database contents for unauthorized modifications following the disclosure date
Patch Information
The vendor released version 2.0.15 of the Check & Log Email plugin, which introduces proper sanitization and parameterized query handling. Site administrators should apply the update through the WordPress plugin dashboard or by replacing the plugin files directly. Refer to the WPScan Vulnerability Report for advisory references.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the Check & Log Email plugin until the patched version can be installed
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin interface using IP allowlisting at the web server or firewall layer
- Apply least-privilege principles by limiting the number of administrator accounts and using editor or lower roles where possible
# Update Check & Log Email plugin using WP-CLI
wp plugin update check-email --version=2.0.15
# Verify installed version across a WordPress fleet
wp plugin get check-email --field=version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
