CVE-2026-2503 in ElementCamp Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2026
The ElementCamp plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the 'meta_query[compare]' parameter in the 'tcg_select2_search_post' AJAX action in all versions up to, and including, 2.3.6. This is due to the user-supplied compare value being placed as an SQL operator in the query without validation against an allowlist of comparison operators. The value is passed through esc_sql(), but since the payload operates as an operator (not inside quotes), esc_sql() has no effect on payloads that don't contain quote characters. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-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 • 03/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-2503 affects the ElementCamp plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 2.3.6. This represents a critical time-based SQL injection flaw that exploits the 'meta_query[compare]' parameter within the 'tcg_select2_search_post' AJAX action. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation where user-supplied comparison values are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or allowlisting mechanisms. The flaw occurs at the application layer where the plugin fails to enforce strict validation of comparison operators, creating an avenue for malicious SQL payload injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the plugin's use of esc_sql() function for sanitization, which proves insufficient for this particular attack vector. While esc_sql() effectively escapes quote characters and prevents classic SQL injection through string literals, it cannot mitigate attacks where the malicious input functions as an SQL operator rather than a quoted value. This distinction is crucial because SQL operators such as AND, OR, or comparison operators like =, !=, <, > when injected directly into query structures bypass the escaping mechanism entirely. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated users with Author-level access or higher, indicating that attackers must first compromise credentials or gain access to legitimate user accounts before exploiting this weakness.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for WordPress installations using the affected ElementCamp plugin. Attackers can leverage the time-based SQL injection technique to extract sensitive database information through carefully crafted payloads that cause the database to delay responses, thereby enabling data exfiltration without direct output manipulation. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability allows for arbitrary query injection, potentially enabling attackers to enumerate user accounts, extract configuration data, access private content, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a classic example of SQL injection where the attack vector operates through operator injection rather than traditional string injection methods.
The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability requires only Author-level privileges, which many WordPress installations grant to users with content creation capabilities. This means that compromised user accounts with relatively low privilege levels can potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to database contents. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to the latest plugin version where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and allowlisting of comparison operators. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while also enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process must also involve validating that all user-supplied input passed to database queries undergoes proper sanitization that accounts for the specific nature of the injection vector, ensuring that SQL operators are validated against a strict allowlist rather than accepting arbitrary user input directly into query construction.