CVE-2016-20062 in Simply Poll
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2026
Simply Poll 1.4.1 plugin for WordPress contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to extract database information by injecting SQL code through the 'pollid' POST parameter. Attackers can send requests to the admin-ajax.php endpoint with the 'spAjaxResults' action and malicious 'pollid' values to execute arbitrary SQL queries and read sensitive data from the WordPress database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2026
The Simply Poll 1.4.1 WordPress plugin contains a critical sql injection vulnerability that represents a significant threat to wordpress installations. this vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user input through the pollid post parameter, which is processed without proper sanitization or validation. the flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the system by sending crafted requests to the admin-ajax.php endpoint with the spajaxresults action. when the plugin processes these malicious inputs, it directly incorporates the pollid parameter into sql queries without adequate protection mechanisms, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution and data exfiltration.
the technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration cwe-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. the attack vector exploits the lack of input validation and proper parameter binding within the plugin's database interaction logic. when an attacker submits a malicious pollid value through the spajaxresults action, the plugin's sql query construction process becomes compromised, allowing the attacker to inject additional sql commands that execute within the database context. this creates a direct path for information disclosure attacks where sensitive data including user credentials, database schema information, and other confidential records can be extracted through carefully crafted sql injection payloads.
the operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential system compromise and persistent access. unauthenticated attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to wordpress database contents without requiring valid credentials or administrative privileges. the vulnerability affects any wordpress installation running the affected plugin version, making it particularly dangerous as it targets widely deployed software components. the sql injection allows for read operations on database tables, potentially exposing user accounts, configuration settings, and other sensitive information that could be used for further attacks. in some cases, the vulnerability might enable attackers to perform write operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise through database manipulation or backdoor installation.
effective mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. the primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Simply Poll plugin where proper input validation and sql parameterization have been implemented. administrators should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious sql injection patterns targeting the specific endpoint and parameter combinations. additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation at the application level, using prepared statements for all database queries, and limiting database user permissions to reduce potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other plugins or custom code components. organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unusual sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and following secure coding practices that prevent sql injection attacks through proper input sanitization and parameterized queries. adherence to security frameworks such as the owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity guidelines is essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in wordpress installations and other web applications.