CVE-2026-12248 in Multilingual CMS Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
The WPML Multilingual CMS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'sorting' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 4.9.5 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 translator-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 • 08/15/2026
The WPML Multilingual CMS plugin presents a critical security vulnerability classified as SQL Injection affecting versions through 4.9.5, representing a significant risk to WordPress environments relying on multilingual capabilities. This flaw resides in the plugin's handling of the 'sorting' parameter within its database query operations, where inadequate input sanitization permits malicious actors to manipulate existing SQL structures. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated users possessing translator-level privileges or higher, eliminating the need for elevated administrative access to exploit the weakness effectively.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient escaping mechanisms applied to user-supplied parameters before their integration into SQL query constructs. When legitimate users with appropriate permissions submit requests containing manipulated sorting values, the plugin fails to properly sanitize these inputs through adequate prepared statement protocols or parameterized query construction. This deficiency creates an exploitable entry point where attackers can append malicious SQL fragments to existing queries, effectively extending the scope of database operations beyond intended parameters.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables authenticated attackers to extract sensitive information from the underlying database through crafted SQL injection payloads. The impact extends beyond simple data retrieval as attackers can potentially access user credentials, configuration details, content metadata, and other confidential information stored within the WordPress installation's database structure. The attack vector requires only translator-level privileges, which many multilingual websites maintain for content management purposes, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with less stringent permission controls.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and corresponds to techniques documented under ATT&CK matrix component T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. This classification indicates that the weakness represents a direct exploitation of database query construction vulnerabilities without requiring complex attack chains or additional system compromises. The remediation approach should focus on implementing proper parameterized queries, input validation, and output encoding mechanisms to prevent unauthorized SQL command injection.
Security mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address this vulnerability, ensuring all users maintain the latest security patches from WPML developers. Organizations should also implement network segmentation controls to limit access to multilingual CMS functionalities, enforce strict role-based access controls, and deploy database monitoring solutions to detect anomalous query patterns indicative of SQL injection attempts. Additionally, comprehensive security auditing of WordPress installations should include verification of plugin versions and implementation of automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar weaknesses across the entire web application stack.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of maintaining current security practices within content management systems, particularly those handling sensitive multilingual data. Organizations must establish robust patch management procedures that prioritize time-sensitive security updates, implement regular security assessments, and maintain awareness of third-party plugin vulnerabilities that could compromise entire website infrastructures through supply chain attacks or indirect exploitation paths.