CVE-2026-42747 Overview
CVE-2026-42747 is a blind SQL injection vulnerability in the hassantafreshi Easy Form Builder plugin for WordPress. The flaw affects all versions of easy-form-builder up to and including 4.0.6. The plugin fails to properly neutralize special elements in SQL statements, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL queries through unsanitized input. The issue is tracked under CWE-89 and carries a CVSS score of 9.3.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can perform blind SQL injection against the WordPress database, potentially exfiltrating sensitive data such as user credentials, session tokens, and configuration secrets.
Affected Products
- hassantafreshi Easy Form Builder plugin for WordPress
- All versions from n/a through 4.0.6
- WordPress sites with the vulnerable plugin installed and active
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-27 - CVE-2026-42747 published to NVD
- 2026-05-27 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-42747
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands within the Easy Form Builder plugin. User-supplied input is concatenated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This enables blind SQL injection, where attackers infer database content through conditional responses rather than direct error output.
Blind SQL injection requires no authentication and can be executed over the network. The scope is marked as changed, indicating that exploitation impacts resources beyond the vulnerable component. Successful exploitation grants high confidentiality impact, exposing data stored across the WordPress database including the wp_users and wp_options tables.
The EPSS score of 0.03% suggests low current exploitation probability, but the unauthenticated nature of the flaw makes it attractive for opportunistic mass scanning campaigns targeting WordPress installations.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of prepared statements or proper input validation when constructing SQL queries. Plugin code passes attacker-controlled parameters directly into query strings, bypassing the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() safeguards designed to prevent injection.
Attack Vector
An unauthenticated remote attacker sends crafted HTTP requests containing SQL metacharacters to vulnerable plugin endpoints. The injected payload alters query logic, allowing time-based or boolean-based blind extraction techniques. No user interaction is required, and the attack travels across the network without privilege requirements.
No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available. See the Patchstack WordPress Plugin Advisory for additional technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-42747
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Easy Form Builder endpoints containing SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, BENCHMARK(, or encoded variants
- Unusual database query latency spikes correlating with inbound requests to form submission URLs
- Unexpected outbound connections from the WordPress host following form submissions
- New or modified WordPress administrator accounts not initiated by legitimate workflows
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for suspicious query strings targeting plugin parameters, including encoded single quotes (%27) and SQL keywords
- Enable database query logging and review for anomalous queries originating from PHP processes serving Easy Form Builder requests
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection signatures tuned for WordPress plugin paths
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor for authentication anomalies and privilege changes in wp_users and wp_usermeta tables
- Track plugin file integrity and alert on unexpected modifications to PHP files under wp-content/plugins/easy-form-builder/
- Forward WordPress and webserver logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation with threat intelligence feeds
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-42747
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running Easy Form Builder version 4.0.6 or earlier and prioritize patching
- Deactivate the plugin if a patched version is not yet available for your installation
- Rotate WordPress administrator credentials and database passwords if compromise is suspected
- Review recent form submissions and database query logs for indicators of exploitation
Patch Information
At the time of publication, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Plugin Advisory for the latest fix status. Apply any vendor-released update beyond version 4.0.6 immediately upon availability.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the Easy Form Builder plugin until a fixed release is installed
- Restrict access to plugin endpoints using WAF rules or IP allowlisting where feasible
- Apply virtual patching through WAF signatures that block SQL injection payloads targeting WordPress form parameters
- Enforce least-privilege database accounts so the WordPress user cannot read sensitive tables beyond what is required
# Disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI until a patched version is available
wp plugin deactivate easy-form-builder
wp plugin delete easy-form-builder
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
