CVE-2026-95870 in wpForo Forum Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/07/2026
The wpForo Forum plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to generic SQL Injection via the 'data' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.2.1 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database. Exploitation requires that a searchable topic form field of type checkbox, or a select/autocomplete field with isMultiChoice enabled, is registered in the forum configuration.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2026
The wpForo Forum plugin for WordPress contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability affecting all versions up to and including 3.2.1. This flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code that processes user-supplied data. Specifically, the vulnerability resides in the handling of the 'data' parameter, which is used during forum configuration operations involving searchable topic forms. The root cause lies in the failure to properly escape special characters or utilize prepared statements when constructing SQL queries based on this input. This lack of proper preparation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer by appending them to legitimate query structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability classifies it as a classic blind or error-based SQL injection, depending on the server configuration and response handling. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting specific payloads that manipulate the 'data' parameter in requests targeting checkbox fields with multi-choice capabilities or select/autocomplete fields where the isMultiChoice attribute is enabled. These specific form types are particularly susceptible because they often involve complex data structures being passed to backend processing scripts without adequate sanitization. The absence of input filtering means that characters such as single quotes, semicolons, and SQL keywords can be interpreted by the database engine rather than treated as literal string values.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to website integrity and data confidentiality. Because exploitation requires no authentication, any internet user with knowledge of the target forum's structure can attempt to exploit this flaw. Successful exploitation allows attackers to extract sensitive information from the underlying database, including administrator credentials, user personal data, session tokens, and other proprietary content stored within the WordPress installation. This level of access effectively compromises the entire web application ecosystem, as SQL injection is often a precursor to full system compromise or persistent backdoor installation.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifiers such as CWE-89 for Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command and CWE-20 for Improper Input Validation. In terms of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this exploit maps to T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in internet-facing software to gain initial access. The specific technique involves manipulating input parameters to bypass security controls, falling under sub-techniques related to SQL injection attacks against web applications.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate patching and defensive coding practices. Administrators should upgrade the wpForo plugin to a version newer than 3.2.1 as soon as possible, ensuring that the vendor has implemented proper input sanitization and parameterized queries for all user-facing inputs. In environments where upgrading is not immediately feasible, temporary mitigations include implementing Web Application Firewall rules designed to detect SQL injection patterns in POST requests targeting wpForo endpoints. Additionally, restricting access to administrative functions and monitoring database logs for anomalous query structures can help identify attempted exploitation activities before significant damage occurs.