CVE-2026-62071 in File Upload Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/01/2026
Unauthenticated SQL Injection in WordPress File Upload <= 5.1.10 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as an unauthenticated SQL injection flaw within the WordPress file upload functionality prior to version 5.1.10 represents a critical security risk that allows attackers to execute arbitrary Structured Query Language commands against the underlying database without requiring valid credentials or authentication tokens. This specific weakness stems from insufficient sanitization and validation of user-supplied input during the processing of uploaded files, particularly when interacting with metadata extraction routines or image manipulation libraries integrated into the core platform. The flaw typically manifests in functions responsible for handling file uploads where data derived from the filename, EXIF headers, or other associated attributes is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This lack of input validation creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject structured queries that can manipulate database operations, bypass access controls, and potentially lead to full system compromise depending on the privileges assigned to the database user account running the web application.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which classifies SQL Injection as a flaw occurring when software constructs part or all of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component without removing or neutralizing special elements that could alter the intended query logic. In the context of WordPress versions up to 5.1.10, the issue often involves legacy code paths within image processing functions such as those found in the wp_handle_upload_prefilter hook or related EXIF data parsing routines where developers may have relied on older database abstraction layers that were less rigorous about input handling compared to modern standards. The attacker can exploit this by crafting a specially formatted file upload request containing malicious payloads embedded within metadata fields like IPTC, XMP, or even the filename itself if processed unsafely. These payloads are then passed through to the SQL layer where they are interpreted as executable code rather than data strings, allowing for techniques such as UNION-based extraction of sensitive information including administrator usernames and password hashes, boolean-based blind injection to enumerate database structure, or time-based injections to infer data presence indirectly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its unauthenticated nature, meaning that any internet-facing WordPress installation running a vulnerable version can be targeted without prior login access. Successful exploitation enables attackers to extract sensitive information stored in the wp_users and wp_usermeta tables, which contain hashed passwords, session keys, and personal data associated with site administrators and contributors. Beyond immediate credential theft, this vulnerability serves as an initial foothold for more advanced attacks such as privilege escalation, where extracted hashes can be cracked offline or used directly if weak hashing algorithms are in place. Furthermore, attackers may leverage the SQL injection to modify database records, inject backdoors into post content or options tables, or even execute operating system commands if the MySQL server is configured with high privileges and specific features like INTO OUTFILE are enabled. This transforms a simple data breach risk into a potential complete site takeover scenario where the attacker gains persistent control over both the application logic and underlying infrastructure components accessible via the database interface.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate remediation through software updates as the primary defense mechanism. Administrators operating WordPress installations should upgrade to version 5.1.10 or later immediately, as this release includes patches that address input validation gaps in file handling routines by enforcing stricter type checking and utilizing prepared statements for all database interactions involving user-controlled data. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible due to compatibility constraints with third-party plugins or themes, temporary mitigations include implementing a Web Application Firewall configured with rulesets specifically tuned to detect SQL injection patterns within HTTP request parameters related to file uploads. Additionally, restricting upload directories to prevent execution of uploaded files and ensuring that the database user account operates under the principle of least privilege can significantly reduce the blast radius if an exploitation attempt succeeds. Regular security audits focusing on custom code or plugins that interact with media libraries are also recommended to ensure no similar vulnerabilities exist in extended functionality beyond the core distribution.
This vulnerability is further contextualized within industry frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, where it maps to techniques involving SQL Injection for Data Exfiltration and potentially Taint Analysis failures leading to Command Execution if chained with other flaws. Understanding this classification helps security teams prioritize detection rules based on behavioral indicators rather than just signature-based matches, focusing on anomalous database query patterns originating from web server processes handling media uploads. By addressing the root cause through code hardening and maintaining strict input validation protocols across all data entry points, organizations can effectively neutralize this class of threats while reinforcing overall application security posture against similar injection attacks targeting other components of the content management system ecosystem.