CVE-2026-74015 Overview
CVE-2026-74015 is an unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability affecting the Readabler WordPress plugin in versions prior to 2.0.18. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary SQL statements into database queries without requiring authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). The issue was reported through Patchstack and affects installations of the Readabler accessibility plugin on WordPress sites.
Critical Impact
An unauthenticated network attacker can inject arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, enabling data exfiltration and integrity impact beyond the vulnerable plugin's scope.
Affected Products
- Readabler WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.0.18
- WordPress sites with the vulnerable Readabler plugin installed and activated
- Any hosting environment exposing the affected plugin endpoints to network traffic
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-18 - CVE-2026-74015 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-08-20 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-74015
Vulnerability Analysis
The Readabler plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before passing it to SQL queries executed against the WordPress database. Because the vulnerable code path does not require authentication, any remote client capable of reaching the plugin's endpoint can supply crafted parameters. The scope change reflected in the CVSS vector indicates that a successful attack impacts resources beyond the vulnerable component, such as adjacent WordPress data or credentials stored in the same database. Exploitation results in confidentiality impact through arbitrary data retrieval and availability impact through query manipulation.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient input neutralization when constructing SQL statements from HTTP request parameters. The plugin concatenates untrusted values into query strings rather than using parameterized statements or the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API. This pattern is the canonical example of [CWE-89].
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network against the plugin's exposed request handler. An attacker submits crafted HTTP requests containing SQL metacharacters in vulnerable parameters. No credentials, privileges, or user interaction are required, making the flaw suitable for automated mass exploitation against internet-facing WordPress sites.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available at the time of publication. See the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for advisory details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-74015
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Readabler plugin endpoints containing SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, information_schema, or encoded quote characters
- Unexpected wp_users, wp_options, or wp_usermeta read patterns originating from the plugin's PHP handlers
- Anomalous database error messages logged by PHP or MySQL correlated with plugin request URIs
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for query string or POST body parameters targeting Readabler endpoints that contain SQL keywords, comment sequences (--, #, /*), or boolean payloads such as ' OR 1=1--
- Deploy or tune WAF rules that flag SQL injection payloads directed at /wp-content/plugins/readabler/ request paths
- Correlate database slow-query logs with HTTP requests to identify time-based blind injection attempts using SLEEP() or BENCHMARK()
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable MySQL general query logging temporarily on affected hosts to capture injected statements during triage
- Alert on outbound data volume spikes from the WordPress host that could indicate database exfiltration
- Track plugin version inventory across WordPress fleets and alert when Readabler versions below 2.0.18 are detected
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-74015
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Readabler plugin to version 2.0.18 or later on all WordPress instances
- If patching cannot be performed immediately, deactivate and remove the Readabler plugin until the fixed version is deployed
- Review WordPress user accounts, wp_options secrets, and any sensitive database contents for signs of unauthorized access
Patch Information
The vendor addressed the vulnerability in Readabler version 2.0.18. Administrators should apply the update through the WordPress plugin dashboard or by replacing the plugin directory with the patched release. Confirm the installed version after upgrade using the WordPress admin interface. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for advisory tracking.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the Readabler plugin endpoints at the reverse proxy or WAF layer until the patched version is installed
- Enforce WAF signatures that block SQL injection payloads targeting /wp-content/plugins/readabler/ paths
- Rotate WordPress administrator passwords, secret keys in wp-config.php, and API tokens if exploitation is suspected
# Update Readabler via WP-CLI to the fixed version
wp plugin update readabler --version=2.0.18
wp plugin get readabler --field=version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
