CVE-2026-76556 Overview
CVE-2026-76556 is a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] in the WP Import Export Lite WordPress plugin versions prior to 3.9.33. The plugin fails to sanitize and escape export filter values before incorporating them into SQL statements. Authenticated users with the plugin's export permission can inject arbitrary SQL into database queries. Administrators hold this permission by default and may extend it to lower-privileged roles, expanding the pool of potential attackers.
Critical Impact
Authenticated users with export permission can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, exposing sensitive data including user credentials, session tokens, and configuration secrets.
Affected Products
- WP Import Export Lite WordPress plugin versions before 3.9.33
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-16 - CVE CVE-2026-76556 published to NVD
- 2026-09-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-76556
Vulnerability Analysis
The WP Import Export Lite plugin exposes an export feature that accepts filter values from authenticated users. These values are concatenated into SQL statements without proper sanitization or parameterization. An attacker with export permission crafts filter input containing SQL syntax, which the plugin passes directly to the database engine.
The flaw is classified as SQL Injection [CWE-89]. Because the attack requires an authenticated session with elevated permissions, exploitation is constrained. However, the scope is marked as changed because injected queries can access data outside the plugin's intended context, including the full wp_users table and other sensitive WordPress tables.
The EPSS score is 0.204% as of 2026-09-16, reflecting low predicted exploitation activity within the next 30 days.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation on export filter parameters. The plugin builds SQL query fragments through string concatenation rather than using prepared statements or the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API. Any user-supplied filter value becomes part of the query structure, enabling attackers to alter query semantics.
Attack Vector
An authenticated user with export permission submits a crafted export request containing malicious SQL fragments in a filter field. The plugin embeds these fragments into the export query. The database executes the modified query, returning attacker-controlled result sets or leaking arbitrary table contents through UNION-based or error-based extraction techniques.
The vulnerability requires network access to the WordPress administrative interface and valid credentials holding the export capability. See the WPScan Vulnerability Report for additional technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-76556
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual export operations performed by non-administrator accounts holding the plugin's export permission.
- Web server access logs containing SQL keywords such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA within plugin export endpoint parameters.
- Database query logs showing malformed or unusually long SELECT statements originating from the plugin's export handler.
Detection Strategies
- Enable WordPress database query logging and inspect queries generated by the WP Import Export Lite plugin for injected clauses.
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule set to identify SQL injection payloads targeting plugin export endpoints.
- Audit user roles and identify accounts granted the plugin's export capability outside the administrator role.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor authenticated sessions performing repeated export requests with varying filter parameters.
- Alert on database errors returned to the WordPress front end or admin interface, which may indicate error-based SQL injection probing.
- Track outbound data transfer volumes from the WordPress host to identify large-scale data exfiltration via crafted exports.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-76556
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the WP Import Export Lite plugin to version 3.9.33 or later immediately.
- Review all WordPress user accounts and revoke the plugin's export capability from any non-administrator role.
- Rotate credentials and secrets stored in the WordPress database if exploitation is suspected.
Patch Information
Upgrade WP Import Export Lite to version 3.9.33 or later. The fixed release addresses the missing sanitization of export filter values. Consult the WPScan Vulnerability Report for confirmation of the patched version.
Workarounds
- Temporarily deactivate the WP Import Export Lite plugin until the patched version is installed.
- Restrict access to the WordPress administrative interface using IP allowlisting or VPN-based access controls.
- Deploy WAF signatures that block SQL injection payloads on plugin export request parameters.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
