CVE-2018-25434 in WP AutoSuggest
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2026
WP AutoSuggest 0.24 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries by injecting malicious code through the wpas_keys parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to autosuggest.php with crafted wpas_keys values to extract sensitive database information from WordPress posts and other tables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2026
This vulnerability exists in WP AutoSuggest version 0.24, representing a critical sql injection flaw that undermines the security posture of wordpress installations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the autosuggest.php script, specifically in how it processes the wpas_keys parameter. When attackers submit crafted GET requests containing malicious sql payloads through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or filter the input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows unauthenticated adversaries to manipulate the underlying sql execution flow and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the wordpress database. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication credentials to exploit, making it accessible to any internet-facing system running the affected plugin version.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection patterns where attackers can construct malicious payloads that bypass normal input validation mechanisms. Through careful crafting of the wpas_keys parameter, attackers can extract information from various database tables including posts, users, and configuration data. The vulnerability aligns with cwe-89 sql injection weakness classification and maps to attack techniques described in the attack framework under initial access and credential access phases. The affected autosuggest.php endpoint becomes a vector for data exfiltration, allowing attackers to potentially extract complete wordpress database contents including user credentials, post content, and system configuration details. This represents a significant escalation from typical plugin vulnerabilities as it provides attackers with direct database access capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage the extracted database information to conduct further attacks including credential reuse, privilege escalation, and system reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects wordpress installations that have not updated to patched versions of the plugin, creating a widespread attack surface across numerous websites. Organizations running vulnerable wordpress systems face potential regulatory compliance violations, data breach notifications, and reputational damage. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially modify database content, insert backdoors, or establish persistent access points within the compromised systems. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking long-term system compromise rather than simple data theft.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to the latest secure version that addresses the sql injection vulnerability. System administrators must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in custom code. Network-level protections including web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth measures to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potential sql injection vectors within wordpress installations. Database access controls and privilege separation should be implemented to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping all wordpress plugins and themes updated, as outdated components often represent the most common attack vectors for wordpress systems. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unusual sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.