CVE-2026-49080 in wpDataTables Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/17/2026
Unauthenticated SQL Injection in wpDataTables <= 7.3.6 versions.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2026
The wpDataTables plugin for wordpress has been identified with a critical unauthenticated sql injection vulnerability affecting versions up to and including 7.3.6. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input within database queries, specifically in the data processing functions that do not properly sanitize or escape user supplied parameters before incorporating them into sql statements. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without requiring any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected website. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-89 sql injection weakness and represents a significant risk to wordpress installations using the affected plugin versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes data through its table rendering and data manipulation functions. Attackers can manipulate input parameters through various endpoints that handle table data operations, including column sorting, filtering, and data retrieval functions. The plugin fails to implement proper input validation and parameterized query construction, allowing malicious sql payloads to be injected directly into the database queries. This injection occurs at the application level where user provided data is concatenated directly into sql strings rather than being properly bound to prepared statements. The vulnerability affects multiple plugin functionalities that process user input, making it a broad attack surface that can be leveraged for various malicious purposes including data exfiltration, unauthorized data modification, and potential privilege escalation within the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to include complete database exposure and potential system takeover. An attacker could extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and administrative details from the wordpress database. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to modify or delete database content, potentially corrupting the entire website functionality. Additionally, the attack could be used to establish persistent access through database backdoors or to escalate privileges within the database environment. The unauthenticated nature of this vulnerability means that any visitor to the affected website could potentially exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for high-traffic sites or those containing sensitive information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1078 for valid accounts usage, though the authentication bypass removes the requirement for legitimate credentials.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating to the patched version of wpDataTables or implementing temporary workarounds. The recommended solution is to upgrade to version 7.3.7 or later where the sql injection vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should also implement network level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the wordpress database user has minimal required privileges, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additional defensive measures include monitoring database logs for suspicious sql patterns, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, and conducting regular security assessments of wordpress plugins and themes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping wordpress plugins updated and following secure coding practices that prevent sql injection through proper parameterization and input sanitization techniques.