CVE-2019-25745 in Google Review Slider
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2026
WordPress Plugin Google Review Slider 6.1 contains a time-based blind SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the 'tid' parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to the admin interface with malicious 'tid' values to extract sensitive database information using time-based blind SQL injection techniques.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2026
This vulnerability exists within the WordPress plugin Google Review Slider version 6.1 and represents a critical time-based blind sql injection flaw that compromises database security. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the 'tid' parameter within the plugin's administrative interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious get requests that include specially formatted 'tid' values designed to trigger time-based sql injection responses. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of database queries when processing requests through the admin panel, where the 'tid' parameter is directly incorporated into sql statements without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This allows attackers to infer database contents through timing variations in server responses, as the injected sql commands cause deliberate delays when certain conditions are met. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication credentials, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected wordpress installation. The flaw enables extraction of sensitive information including user credentials, database structure details, and potentially full database contents through systematic time-based inference techniques that leverage the server's response timing characteristics.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns documented in the common weakness enumeration database under cwe-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. This weakness classifies the vulnerability as a code injection attack where malicious sql code is injected into database queries through user-controllable input parameters. The time-based blind nature of the injection technique places this vulnerability within the category of blind sql injection attacks that are particularly challenging to detect and mitigate because they rely on indirect methods of information extraction rather than direct output manipulation. The attack requires careful timing and systematic testing to determine the exact nature of database structures and contents, making it a sophisticated method that aligns with advanced persistent threat tactics described in the attack technique framework under attack-technique-t1213. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data extraction to potentially enable full system compromise through database manipulation and privilege escalation.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform reconnaissance and data exfiltration without requiring administrative privileges or authentication. An attacker can systematically exploit this vulnerability to extract user accounts, passwords, and other sensitive data stored within the wordpress database, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate database contents but also creates potential for cascading security issues within the wordpress installation, as compromised database access may enable further exploitation of other vulnerable components. The time-based blind nature of the attack means that detection is particularly challenging for security monitoring systems that rely on traditional signature-based detection methods, as the malicious traffic appears as normal web requests with timing variations rather than obvious sql injection patterns. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where such attacks might go undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to conduct prolonged reconnaissance and data harvesting operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate patching requirements and long-term security enhancements to prevent similar issues in the future. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to the latest version of the Google Review Slider plugin where the sql injection vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate all user-provided parameters against expected data types and ranges, particularly for administrative interface components that process database queries. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious timing patterns and unusual query behaviors that might indicate sql injection attempts. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing procedures specifically targeting wordpress installations and their plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and restricting administrative access to the plugin interface can significantly reduce the potential impact of exploitation, while maintaining proper logging and monitoring of administrative activities to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that the sql injection vulnerability has been properly resolved without introducing new compatibility issues or security weaknesses.