CVE-2026-73187: Sticky Chat Widget SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2026-73187 Overview

CVE-2026-73187 is an unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability affecting the Sticky Chat Widget plugin for WordPress in versions 1.4.2 and earlier. The flaw is classified under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command) and can be exploited over the network without authentication or user interaction. An attacker can inject arbitrary SQL statements into database queries processed by the plugin, allowing the extraction of sensitive data from the WordPress backend.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can send crafted HTTP requests to execute arbitrary SQL against the WordPress database, leading to disclosure of user records, credentials, and configuration data.

Affected Products

WordPress Sticky Chat Widget plugin versions 1.4.2 and earlier
WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin regardless of theme configuration
Any hosting environment exposing the plugin endpoints to the internet

Discovery Timeline

2026-08-18 - CVE-2026-73187 published to NVD
2026-08-20 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-73187

Vulnerability Analysis

The Sticky Chat Widget plugin fails to properly neutralize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. Attackers reach the vulnerable code path without authenticating, which broadens the exploitable population to anonymous internet users. Successful exploitation grants read access to database contents, including WordPress user tables, session tokens, and plugin configuration.

Because the issue involves a scope change, an attacker can leverage the injection to affect resources beyond the vulnerable component. The confidentiality impact is high, while integrity is not directly affected and availability sees a limited impact. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the underlying technical write-up.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation and the absence of prepared statements or parameterized queries in a plugin request handler. User-controlled parameters flow directly into an SQL query string, allowing attackers to break query context and append arbitrary SQL clauses. The plugin also lacks a capability check on the affected endpoint, which is why exploitation requires no authentication.

Attack Vector

An attacker sends an HTTP request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint on the target WordPress site. The request includes crafted SQL payloads in a parameter that the plugin passes into a database query. The database executes the injected clause and returns results the attacker can enumerate through boolean, time-based, or UNION-based techniques. See the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for exploitation context. No verified public exploit code is available at the time of publication.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-73187

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Sticky Chat Widget plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA references
Unusually long HTTP query strings or POST bodies targeting /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with plugin-specific action parameters
Web server access logs showing high-volume requests from a single source to plugin URLs, consistent with automated injection tooling
Database error messages appearing in HTTP responses referencing SQL syntax or MySQL functions

Detection Strategies

Enable and review WordPress plugin request logging, focusing on parameters passed to Sticky Chat Widget handlers
Deploy a web application firewall rule set that identifies SQL injection payload patterns targeting WordPress AJAX endpoints
Correlate authentication log anomalies with prior unauthenticated requests to the plugin to identify credential compromise following data exfiltration

Monitoring Recommendations

Alert on outbound database queries containing UNION, SLEEP, or schema enumeration statements originating from the WordPress application user
Monitor for new administrator account creation or role changes shortly after suspicious plugin traffic
Track file integrity on wp-config.php and plugin directories for unauthorized modifications

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-73187

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Sticky Chat Widget plugin to a version later than 1.4.2 once a patched release is available from the vendor
Disable or remove the plugin on any WordPress installation where a patched version is not yet installed
Rotate WordPress administrator passwords and API keys if evidence of database access is present
Review the wp_users table for unauthorized accounts and reset session tokens across the site

Patch Information

Consult the [Patchstack Vulnerability Report](https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/sticky-chat-widget/vulnerability/wordpress-sticky-chat-widget-plugin-1-4-2-sql injection-vulnerability?_s_id=cve) for the latest patched version and vendor guidance. Apply the fixed release through the WordPress plugin dashboard or via WP-CLI as soon as it becomes available.

Workarounds

Deploy WAF rules that block requests containing SQL injection signatures directed at Sticky Chat Widget endpoints
Restrict access to the WordPress site with IP allowlisting where feasible, particularly for administrative and AJAX endpoints
Apply the principle of least privilege to the WordPress database user, removing FILE, CREATE, and DROP privileges to limit post-exploitation impact

bash

# Configuration example: update the plugin via WP-CLI once a fixed version is released
wp plugin update sticky-chat-widget --version=<patched_version>
wp plugin deactivate sticky-chat-widget   # temporary mitigation if no patch is available