CVE-2025-10185 in NEX-Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/11/2025
The NEX-Forms – Ultimate Forms Plugin for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'orderby' parameter in the action nf_load_form_entries in all versions up to, and including, 9.1.6 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 Administrator-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database. This may be exploitable by lower-level users if access is granted by a site administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-10185 affects the NEX-Forms – Ultimate Forms Plugin for WordPress, a widely used form building solution that allows administrators to create custom forms and manage submissions. This particular flaw exists in versions up to and including 9.1.6, representing a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of database operations within the WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability manifests through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately protect against malicious SQL injection attempts.
The technical exploitation occurs through the 'orderby' parameter within the nf_load_form_entries action, which serves as the primary attack vector for this SQL injection vulnerability. This parameter is directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization, creating a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate existing SQL statements. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization practices and inadequate query preparation methods that fail to distinguish between legitimate user input and potentially malicious SQL code. This weakness is categorized as CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities in software applications.
Authenticated attackers with administrator-level privileges or above can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the WordPress database, potentially extracting sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The impact extends beyond high-privilege users, as the vulnerability may be exploitable by lower-level users if they are granted sufficient access rights by administrators. This creates a significant risk for organizations where user access controls may be improperly configured or where privilege escalation occurs through other means. The attack requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with basic knowledge of SQL injection techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability compromises the confidentiality and integrity of data stored within the WordPress database, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or even complete system compromise. Organizations relying on this plugin for form management and data collection face serious risks, as the vulnerability allows for persistent access to sensitive information that may include personal identifiable information, business data, and administrative credentials. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of form submissions and database interactions, potentially disrupting normal business operations while providing attackers with a foothold for further exploitation. This represents a significant concern for compliance with data protection regulations and industry security standards.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 9.1.7 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring all user-supplied parameters undergo proper escaping before database processing. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting access to database systems. Regular security audits and monitoring of database queries should be implemented to detect anomalous activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential access, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities.