CVE-2025-48280 in AutomatorWP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/19/2025
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Ruben Garcia AutomatorWP allows Blind SQL Injection. This issue affects AutomatorWP: from n/a through 5.2.1.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48280 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the AutomatorWP plugin, a widely used workflow automation tool for WordPress platforms. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly neutralize special characters within SQL command structures. The vulnerability specifically manifests as a blind SQL injection attack vector, where malicious actors can manipulate database queries without direct feedback, making detection and exploitation more insidious. The affected version range spans from an unspecified starting point through version 5.2.1.3, indicating a significant attack surface across multiple iterations of the plugin.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places the system at risk due to improper neutralization of special elements within SQL commands, which directly maps to CWE-89, the standard classification for SQL injection vulnerabilities. This weakness allows attackers to construct malicious SQL statements that can bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive database information, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected WordPress environment. The blind nature of the injection means that attackers must rely on indirect methods to determine if their payloads have been successful, typically through timing delays or conditional responses that reveal database structure information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to WordPress installations utilizing AutomatorWP, as it can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information, including credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The impact extends beyond individual site security to potentially affect entire WordPress networks or multi-tenant environments where multiple sites share common database infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, conduct data exfiltration campaigns, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks against connected systems.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to the latest available release, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized queries throughout their application code to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles. Additionally, network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security monitoring should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1071.004, covering application layer protocols, emphasizing the need for layered defensive measures including proper access controls, database query auditing, and regular security assessments to prevent unauthorized database access and maintain system integrity.