CVE-2026-92998 in Click n Chat Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2026
The Click n Chat (Chat Widget Integration) WordPress plugin before 1.1.3 does not sanitise sort parameters before using them in a SQL ORDER BY clause, allowing unauthenticated attackers to perform SQL injection attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2026
The vulnerability identified within the Click n Chat WordPress plugin prior to version 1.1.3 represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper input validation and data handling practices. Specifically, the application fails to adequately sanitize sort parameters received from user requests before incorporating them into SQL queries. This oversight allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate these inputs, leading directly to SQL injection attacks that can compromise the integrity of the underlying database. The absence of proper sanitization mechanisms means that maliciously crafted input is processed as part of the query logic rather than being treated strictly as data, which is a fundamental violation of secure coding principles designed to prevent such exploits.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-89, commonly known as Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. The specific mechanism involves the direct concatenation or interpolation of unsanitized user-supplied data into the ORDER BY clause of a database query. Unlike standard parameterized queries that treat input strictly as values, dynamic sorting often requires column names to be inserted directly into the statement structure. However, even in such cases, developers must implement strict allow-listing techniques to ensure only predefined, safe column identifiers are accepted. The failure to enforce this restriction leaves the application vulnerable to injection attacks where attackers can inject arbitrary SQL syntax, potentially bypassing intended query logic and accessing restricted data or altering database states.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its unauthenticated nature. Attackers do not need valid credentials to exploit this flaw, significantly lowering the barrier for entry and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation by automated tools scanning public-facing WordPress sites. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the database, including user details, chat logs, or administrative configurations. Furthermore, depending on the specific SQL dialect and server configuration, an attacker might escalate privileges, modify data integrity, or potentially execute commands on the underlying operating system if certain dangerous functions are enabled within the Database Management System. This poses a substantial risk to both site administrators and end-users whose private communications may be exposed through such breaches.
To mitigate this vulnerability, immediate action is required by upgrading the Click n Chat plugin to version 1.1.3 or later, where these input validation issues have been addressed. For organizations unable to upgrade immediately, implementing a Web Application Firewall can provide an additional layer of defense by filtering out malicious SQL patterns in incoming requests. Developers should also review their codebase to ensure that all dynamic SQL components are handled using strict allow-lists rather than relying on blacklist-based sanitization methods. Adhering to industry standards such as the OWASP Top 10, particularly regarding injection prevention and secure coding practices for web applications, is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles. Regular security audits and static code analysis tools can further assist in identifying and rectifying these types of logic flaws before they are deployed into production environments.