CVE-2026-104953 in MPG Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2026
The MPG WordPress plugin before 4.2.3 does not properly validate the structure of imported project data before using it in a database query, allowing users with the Editor role or higher to perform SQL injection attacks and read sensitive data such as password hashes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2026
The vulnerability identified in versions of the MPG WordPress plugin prior to 4.2.3 represents a critical security flaw rooted in insufficient input validation during the handling of imported project data. This specific weakness allows authenticated users possessing at least Editor-level privileges to manipulate database queries through SQL injection techniques. The core technical failure lies in the application's processing logic, which accepts complex structures for import operations without adequately sanitizing or validating the integrity and format of the supplied data before it is incorporated into dynamic SQL statements. By bypassing these validation checks, an attacker can inject malicious SQL code that alters the intended query structure, thereby gaining unauthorized access to underlying database contents.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-89, which describes Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, commonly known as SQL Injection. The vulnerability exploits the lack of parameterized queries or rigorous escaping mechanisms when processing user-supplied input within the import functionality. Because the plugin processes imported data directly into database operations without sufficient scrutiny, it creates a vector for attackers to execute arbitrary commands against the backend database system. This is particularly dangerous in WordPress environments where the database often contains sensitive administrative credentials and configuration details that are critical to site integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to the relatively low privilege threshold required to exploit it. While many SQL injection vulnerabilities require Administrator-level access, this flaw can be triggered by any user with Editor rights or higher. This broader attack surface increases the likelihood of exploitation within multi-author sites where lower-privileged users may have legitimate reasons to import project data but lack strict oversight on their input formats. Successful exploitation enables attackers to read sensitive information from the database, including password hashes for all user accounts. The exposure of these hashes allows offline brute-force attacks to recover plaintext passwords, potentially leading to full account compromise and further lateral movement within the WordPress installation or associated network infrastructure.
This vulnerability maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers SQL Injection as a sub-technique under Command and Scripting Interpreter abuse. The exploitation path involves crafting specific payloads that manipulate the import structure to extract data via error-based or blind injection methods. Once password hashes are retrieved, attackers can leverage tools like Hashcat or John the Ripper to crack these credentials, thereby escalating their privileges from Editor to Administrator. This escalation provides complete control over the WordPress site, allowing for defacement, malware installation, and further compromise of any systems connected to the database backend.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate remediation through software updates and enhanced input validation practices. The primary defense is upgrading the MPG plugin to version 4.2.3 or later, where this specific validation logic has been corrected. For sites unable to update immediately due to compatibility constraints, temporary mitigations should include restricting Editor-level access to trusted individuals only and implementing Web Application Firewall rules that detect SQL injection patterns in import-related endpoints. Additionally, developers should enforce strict schema validation on all imported data structures before they interact with the database layer, ensuring that any input is sanitized using prepared statements or robust escaping functions consistent with OWASP guidelines for preventing SQL injection attacks.