CVE-2025-23910 in Menus Plus+ Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2025
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in NotFound Menus Plus+ allows SQL Injection. This issue affects Menus Plus+: from n/a through 1.9.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23910 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NotFound Menus Plus+ plugin, classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands. This weakness allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code through improperly sanitized input parameters, potentially compromising database integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability exists in versions ranging from an unspecified starting point through 1.9.6, indicating a prolonged exposure window where affected systems remained vulnerable to exploitation. The attack vector typically involves manipulation of input fields that are directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. When user input is directly concatenated into SQL statements rather than being properly parameterized, attackers can manipulate the query structure by injecting malicious SQL fragments. This allows for unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, modification of database contents, or even complete database compromise depending on the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability specifically impacts the plugin's menu handling functionality where user-provided menu identifiers or parameters are processed without sufficient input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise potential. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including personal information, authentication credentials, or business-critical data stored within the affected database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this affects a widely-used WordPress plugin, potentially exposing numerous websites to coordinated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests inadequate security review processes during the plugin's development lifecycle, creating extended exposure periods for affected organizations.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, following the vendor's security advisory release. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in custom applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a SQL injection technique under the command and control phase, with potential lateral movement capabilities once initial access is achieved through database compromise.