CVE-2026-14920 Overview
CVE-2026-14920 is a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] affecting a WordPress plugin, reported through the WPScan vulnerability database. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary SQL statements into database queries over the network. Successful exploitation exposes stored data and permits limited modification of database contents. The vulnerability carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 and requires no user interaction or prior authentication.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated network attackers can extract sensitive database contents and modify limited records through crafted SQL payloads.
Affected Products
- WordPress plugin identified in the WPScan Vulnerability Report
- Specific product and version details are maintained by WPScan
- Refer to the vendor advisory for the definitive affected version range
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-02 - CVE-2026-14920 published to NVD
- 2026-08-04 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-14920
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a SQL injection flaw classified under [CWE-89]: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. The affected WordPress plugin passes user-supplied input into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. Attackers deliver crafted input over HTTP to reach the vulnerable query path.
Exploitation yields high confidentiality impact and low integrity impact, according to the CVSS vector. Attackers can read arbitrary tables, including WordPress user records and session tokens. The absence of authentication requirements broadens the attack surface to any internet-facing WordPress instance running the vulnerable plugin.
EPSS currently rates the exploitation probability at 0.274% within the next 30 days. No public proof-of-concept exploit is listed in the enriched data, and CISA has not added the entry to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input neutralization on a parameter used in SQL query construction. The plugin concatenates request data directly into query strings rather than binding parameters through prepared statements or the $wpdb->prepare() API. This design flaw allows attacker-controlled SQL syntax to alter query semantics.
Attack Vector
Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending HTTP requests that embed SQL metacharacters in vulnerable parameters. The network-based attack vector requires no privileges and no user interaction. Payloads typically use UNION-based, boolean-based, or time-based techniques to extract data from the WordPress database. See the WPScan Vulnerability Report for parameter-level detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-14920
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP request logs containing SQL metacharacters such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, --, /*, or encoded variants in query strings or POST bodies targeting plugin endpoints
- Unexpected outbound queries against wp_users, wp_usermeta, or wp_options tables outside normal application flow
- Database error messages returned in HTTP responses indicating malformed SQL syntax
- Repeated requests from a single source containing incremental payload variations characteristic of automated SQLi tooling
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that identify SQL injection signatures on WordPress admin-ajax and REST endpoints
- Enable MySQL general query logging and alert on queries containing tautologies such as OR 1=1 or stacked statements
- Correlate HTTP 500 responses with request parameters containing SQL keywords to surface exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor WordPress access logs for anomalous parameter values on plugin routes disclosed in the WPScan advisory
- Track authentication events for accounts created or modified outside the administrative workflow
- Alert on database user accounts issuing SELECT statements against sensitive tables from the web application service account
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-14920
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress installations running the affected plugin and inventory their versions against the WPScan advisory
- Update the plugin to the fixed version referenced by the vendor once available
- Restrict access to the vulnerable endpoints at the WAF or reverse proxy layer until patching is complete
- Rotate WordPress administrator credentials and API keys if exploitation is suspected
Patch Information
The WPScan Vulnerability Report is the authoritative source for the fixed version and remediation guidance. Apply the vendor-supplied update through the WordPress plugin management interface or wp-cli. Verify the installed version after upgrade and confirm database integrity.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the vulnerable plugin if a patch is not yet available
- Deploy WAF signatures that block SQL injection payloads targeting the affected parameters
- Enforce least-privilege database credentials for the WordPress service account to limit blast radius
# Update the affected plugin using wp-cli
wp plugin update <plugin-slug> --version=<fixed-version>
# Verify installed version
wp plugin get <plugin-slug> --field=version
# Temporary mitigation: deactivate the plugin
wp plugin deactivate <plugin-slug>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
