CVE-2026-49080 Overview
CVE-2026-49080 is an unauthenticated SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the wpDataTables WordPress plugin in versions up to and including 7.3.6. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary SQL statements through the plugin's request handling without supplying credentials. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).
The issue is exploitable over the network with low attack complexity and no user interaction. Patchstack published the advisory tracking this issue in the WordPress plugin vulnerability database.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can issue arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, exposing data across the affected site and impacting integrity boundaries beyond the vulnerable component.
Affected Products
- wpDataTables WordPress plugin versions <= 7.3.6
- WordPress installations with the vulnerable plugin enabled
- Sites exposing plugin endpoints to unauthenticated requests
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-17 - CVE-2026-49080 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-49080
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an unauthenticated SQL Injection in the wpDataTables plugin. The plugin accepts request parameters and concatenates them into SQL queries without applying proper sanitization or parameterized statements. Attackers can craft input that breaks out of the intended query context and appends attacker-controlled SQL clauses.
Because the vulnerable code path does not enforce authentication, exploitation requires no account on the target WordPress site. The EPSS probability stands at 0.311% with a percentile of 22.613, indicating limited observed exploitation activity at the time of publication. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for advisory details.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of user-supplied input passed into SQL queries [CWE-89]. wpDataTables constructs queries by interpolating request data directly into SQL strings rather than using prepared statements with bound parameters. This allows metacharacters such as quotes, comments, and UNION clauses to alter query semantics.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable wpDataTables endpoint with malicious SQL payloads in injectable parameters. The server executes the modified query, returning data or side effects controlled by the attacker. Typical payloads include UNION-based extraction, boolean-based blind techniques, and time-based blind probing.
No verified public exploit code is referenced in the advisory. See the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-49080
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to wpDataTables endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as ', --, UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA
- Web server logs showing repeated requests to plugin AJAX or REST endpoints from a single source with varying query parameters
- Database error messages or unexpected response time variance correlated with plugin request paths
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server and WordPress access logs for requests targeting wpDataTables endpoints with suspicious parameter values
- Deploy a web application firewall ruleset that flags SQL injection patterns against WordPress plugin paths
- Correlate database query logs with HTTP request logs to identify anomalous query structures originating from the plugin
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on the WordPress database and forward to a central log store for analysis
- Alert on unauthenticated requests issuing parameters that include SQL keywords against /wp-content/plugins/wpdatatables/ paths
- Monitor outbound database connections and query volume spikes that may indicate data exfiltration
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-49080
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the wpDataTables plugin to a version later than 7.3.6 as soon as the vendor releases a fixed build
- Disable or remove the wpDataTables plugin on sites where an updated version is not yet available
- Restrict access to WordPress admin and plugin endpoints using IP allowlists or authentication proxies where feasible
Patch Information
Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest fixed version information and vendor remediation guidance. Apply the vendor-supplied update through the WordPress plugin manager once available.
Workarounds
- Deploy a WAF rule that blocks SQL injection signatures targeting wpDataTables request parameters
- Enforce least-privilege on the WordPress database user to limit the impact of successful injection
- Temporarily deactivate the plugin until a patched release is installed and verified
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
