CVE-2026-66622 Overview
CVE-2026-66622 is an unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability affecting the Depicter Slider WordPress plugin in versions 4.8.0 and earlier. The flaw is classified under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). Remote attackers can send crafted requests to inject SQL statements without authentication. The issue was published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) on 2026-08-18.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can inject arbitrary SQL through the Depicter Slider plugin, exposing WordPress database contents and enabling downstream compromise of affected sites.
Affected Products
- Depicter Slider WordPress plugin, versions <= 4.8.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-18 - CVE-2026-66622 published to NVD
- 2026-08-20 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-66622
Vulnerability Analysis
The Depicter Slider plugin fails to properly neutralize user-controlled input used within SQL statements. An unauthenticated remote attacker can supply crafted parameters that alter the intended query structure. Successful exploitation impacts database confidentiality and can degrade availability of the WordPress instance. The attack vector is network-based and requires no user interaction, though exploitation complexity is elevated according to the published CVSS vector.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input sanitization within a database query path exposed by the plugin ([CWE-89]). User-supplied values reach an SQL statement without parameterized binding or adequate escaping. Because the affected endpoint is reachable without authentication, no plugin-level access control mitigates the injection.
Attack Vector
An attacker issues HTTP requests to a WordPress site running a vulnerable Depicter Slider release. The malicious payload manipulates the underlying query to extract data or influence application state. See the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for the vendor advisory. No verified public proof-of-concept exploit is available at the time of publication.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-66622
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP requests to Depicter Slider plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as ', --, UNION SELECT, or SLEEP(.
- Anomalous WordPress database queries or elevated query error rates in MySQL/MariaDB logs.
- Web server access logs showing repeated parameter fuzzing against /wp-content/plugins/depicter/ resources.
Detection Strategies
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that identify SQL injection patterns targeting plugin request parameters.
- Correlate HTTP request logs with database error logs to surface injection attempts that trigger query failures.
- Baseline typical Depicter Slider request patterns and alert on outliers in parameter length, entropy, or keyword content.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward web server, WordPress, and database logs to a centralized analytics platform for query pattern analysis.
- Monitor outbound egress from the WordPress host for signs of data exfiltration following suspicious requests.
- Track plugin inventory and version state across all WordPress sites to identify vulnerable installations.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-66622
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress instances running Depicter Slider <= 4.8.0 and prioritize them for patching.
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative and plugin endpoints from untrusted networks where feasible.
- Rotate database credentials and WordPress secret keys if injection activity is suspected.
Patch Information
Upgrade Depicter Slider to a version later than 4.8.0 once the vendor publishes a fixed release. Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for remediation status and updates.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the Depicter Slider plugin until an upgraded version is installed.
- Deploy virtual patching through a WAF that blocks SQL injection payloads targeting the plugin's request parameters.
- Enforce least-privilege on the WordPress database account to limit the blast radius of a successful injection.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
