CVE-2026-57771 in GD Rating System Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2026
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Milan Petrovic GD Rating System gd-rating-system allows Blind SQL Injection.This issue affects GD Rating System: from n/a through <= 3.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2026
The vulnerability under examination represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the GD Rating System plugin for WordPress, specifically identified as an improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input parameters, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability manifests as a blind SQL injection attack vector, meaning that while direct query results are not immediately visible to the attacker, they can still infer database structure and contents through indirect means such as response timing variations or conditional responses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's database interaction mechanisms. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization, malicious actors can inject additional SQL commands that alter the intended query behavior. The blind nature of this injection indicates that the application does not provide direct feedback about query execution results, requiring attackers to rely on indirect methods such as time-based responses or error conditions to confirm successful exploitation. This particular vulnerability affects all versions from the initial release through version 3.7, suggesting a long-standing issue that has persisted across multiple iterations without proper remediation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for WordPress sites utilizing the GD Rating System plugin. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive database information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The blind SQL injection capability allows for progressive exploitation where attackers systematically determine database schema structure through repeated queries, ultimately enabling full database compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system persistence mechanisms and further lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating to the latest patched version of the GD Rating System plugin where available. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data before database interaction, utilizing parameterized queries or prepared statements as recommended by OWASP and NIST guidelines. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Database access controls should be implemented to limit the privileges of application database accounts, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker's capabilities remain constrained. Regular security audits and penetration testing should verify that all input vectors are properly protected, with particular attention to custom plugin implementations that may introduce similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process must also include monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts or successful breaches, as blind SQL injection attacks can persist undetected for extended periods while gradually extracting information from target systems.