CVE-2026-49046 Overview
CVE-2026-49046 is a blind SQL injection vulnerability in the Arjun Thakur Duplicate Page and Post WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. It affects all plugin versions from n/a through 2.9.5. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can inject SQL syntax into vulnerable parameters and exfiltrate database contents through blind inference techniques. The scope is changed, meaning the attacker can impact resources beyond the vulnerable component. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without user interaction.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can read arbitrary database contents, including user credentials and secret keys stored in the WordPress wp_options and wp_users tables.
Affected Products
- Arjun Thakur Duplicate Page and Post plugin for WordPress
- All versions up to and including 2.9.5
- WordPress sites with the duplicate-wp-page-post plugin active
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-27 - CVE-2026-49046 published to NVD
- 2026-05-27 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-49046
Vulnerability Analysis
The Duplicate Page and Post plugin fails to sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to manipulate query logic and infer database contents one bit at a time. Because the vulnerability is classified as blind, the application does not return query results directly. Attackers must use boolean-based or time-based techniques to extract data.
The scope change in the CVSS vector indicates that a successful injection can affect resources beyond the plugin itself. In WordPress environments, this typically means full access to the shared database used by the entire site, including authentication tables and arbitrary plugin data.
Root Cause
The root cause is the direct concatenation of untrusted input into SQL statements without using prepared statements or the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API. The plugin processes request parameters in its page and post duplication logic without applying type casting, escaping with esc_sql(), or parameter binding.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an authenticated session with at least low-level privileges, such as a contributor or author account. The attacker submits a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable plugin endpoint containing SQL payloads in parameters consumed by duplication actions. Common payload patterns include AND SLEEP(5) for time-based inference and AND (SELECT SUBSTRING(user_pass,1,1) FROM wp_users)='a' for boolean-based extraction.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available. Technical details are documented in the Patchstack Plugin Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-49046
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to plugin endpoints containing SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, SLEEP, BENCHMARK, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA
- Authenticated requests from low-privilege accounts triggering long-running database queries
- Anomalous query patterns in MySQL slow query logs originating from WordPress sessions
- Repeated requests to duplication endpoints with incrementally changing parameter values
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for repeated POST or GET requests to duplicate-wp-page-post plugin handlers with encoded SQL metacharacters
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall rule that flags SQL injection signatures in authenticated WordPress traffic
- Correlate authenticated user sessions with sudden spikes in database query volume
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable MySQL general query logging during incident response to capture injection payloads
- Monitor for unauthorized reads against wp_users and wp_options tables
- Alert on contributor or author accounts performing administrative-style data access patterns
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-49046
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate the Duplicate Page and Post plugin until a patched version above 2.9.5 is released and verified
- Audit all low-privilege WordPress accounts for unauthorized activity and rotate credentials
- Apply WAF rules to block SQL injection patterns targeting the plugin's request parameters
- Rotate WordPress secret keys defined in wp-config.php if compromise is suspected
Patch Information
No fixed version has been published at the time of NVD disclosure. Versions up to and including 2.9.5 remain vulnerable. Monitor the Patchstack Plugin Vulnerability Report and the official WordPress plugin repository for an updated release.
Workarounds
- Remove or disable the duplicate-wp-page-post plugin entirely until a fix is available
- Restrict contributor and author account creation, and disable open user registration
- Place the WordPress administrative interface behind IP allow-listing or VPN access
- Enforce least privilege by removing duplication capabilities from non-administrator roles
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
