CVE-2026-2363 in Membership Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/04/2026
The WP-Members Membership Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 'order_by' attribute of the [wpmem_user_membership_posts] shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 3.5.5.1. This is 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 Contributor-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 • 03/05/2026
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2026-2363 affects the WP-Members Membership Plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions through 3.5.5.1. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the plugin's database interactions and exposes sensitive information to unauthorized access. The vulnerability manifests through the [wpmem_user_membership_posts] shortcode, which processes user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation occurs through the 'order_by' attribute parameter within the shortcode implementation, where the plugin fails to properly escape or prepare user input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This vulnerability stems from a classic SQL injection flaw that aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. The lack of input validation and proper parameterization creates an environment where malicious actors can manipulate database queries by appending additional SQL commands to existing statements. This weakness allows for the construction of complex queries that can extract, modify, or delete database information.
Authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the WordPress database. The operational impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers can potentially extract user credentials, membership data, and other sensitive database content. This type of vulnerability represents a significant risk to WordPress installations that rely on membership management features, as it provides a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges and access restricted content. The vulnerability affects the core database integrity and can lead to complete system compromise if combined with other exploitation techniques.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1566.001, covering credential harvesting through social engineering. Organizations using this plugin should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions, implementing input validation measures, and monitoring for suspicious database queries. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-supplied security patches, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security audits of database interactions. Additionally, administrators should review user permissions and implement principle of least privilege access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and parameterized queries in preventing database injection attacks.