CVE-2025-10163 in List Category Posts Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/11/2025
The List category posts plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the ‘starting_with’ parameter of the catlist shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 0.91.0 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-10163 affects the List category posts plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 0.91.0. This represents a critical time-based SQL injection flaw that exploits the 'starting_with' parameter within the catlist shortcode functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and insufficient query preparation mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through time-based SQL injection techniques, where authenticated attackers with Contributor-level privileges or higher can manipulate the 'starting_with' parameter to inject malicious SQL commands. This flaw allows attackers to append additional SQL queries to existing database operations, enabling them to extract sensitive information from the WordPress database. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only Contributor-level access, which is often granted to users who should not have the ability to perform database-level operations. The lack of proper input escaping means that user-supplied data flows directly into SQL queries without adequate sanitization, making the system susceptible to malicious manipulation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations using the affected plugin. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract user credentials, configuration data, and other sensitive information stored in the database. The time-based nature of the injection means that attackers can infer database contents through response timing variations, making the attack more stealthy and difficult to detect. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers could potentially escalate privileges or establish persistent access through the extracted information. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a fundamental weakness in software security.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear path from authentication to data exfiltration, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Contributor-level users have access to the system. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a credential access technique through SQL injection, potentially leading to privilege escalation and data breach scenarios. Organizations using this plugin should immediately implement mitigations including plugin updates, input validation enforcement, and monitoring for suspicious database queries. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper parameterized queries and input sanitization in preventing SQL injection attacks, as recommended by security best practices and industry standards.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, and enforcement of least privilege access controls to minimize the impact of compromised accounts. Database query logging and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments in maintaining robust cybersecurity postures.