Overview
A critical SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in the Donation WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to and including 1.0. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-13001, allows authenticated users with high privileges, such as administrators, to potentially execute arbitrary SQL queries on the WordPress database. This can lead to a complete compromise of the website. It is crucial to update or remove this plugin immediately.
Technical Details
CVE-2025-13001 stems from a lack of proper sanitization and escaping of user-supplied input within the Donation plugin. Specifically, a parameter used in a SQL query is not adequately validated before being incorporated into the query string. This oversight allows an attacker with administrative privileges to inject malicious SQL code, potentially bypassing security measures and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or even control over the entire WordPress installation.
The vulnerable code allows for direct injection of SQL commands due to the vulnerable parameter not being escaped before being used in a SQL statement. High privilege users like admins can thus perform SQL injection attacks.
CVSS Analysis
As of the publication of this article (2025-12-03), the CVSS score and severity for CVE-2025-13001 are currently listed as N/A. However, considering the potential for complete system compromise through SQL injection, a high CVSS score should be expected. We strongly advise taking immediate action to mitigate this risk, regardless of the current CVSS rating. We will update this section as soon as the official CVSS score is released.
Possible Impact
The exploitation of CVE-2025-13001 can have severe consequences:
- Data Breach: Attackers can steal sensitive information stored in the WordPress database, including user credentials, financial data, and other confidential content.
- Website Defacement: Attackers can modify or delete website content, disrupting services and damaging the website’s reputation.
- Account Takeover: Attackers can gain control of administrator accounts, allowing them to perform any action on the website.
- Malware Injection: Attackers can inject malicious code into the website, infecting visitors and spreading malware.
- Complete System Compromise: In some cases, attackers can leverage the SQL injection vulnerability to gain access to the underlying server, leading to a complete system compromise.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The most effective way to mitigate CVE-2025-13001 is to take one of the following actions:
- Update the Plugin: Check for an updated version of the Donation WordPress plugin that addresses this vulnerability. If an update is available, install it immediately.
- Remove the Plugin: If an update is not available or you are no longer using the plugin, remove it from your WordPress installation. This will eliminate the risk posed by the vulnerability.
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can help to detect and block SQL injection attacks, providing an additional layer of protection. Ensure your WAF rules are up-to-date and configured to protect against SQL injection vulnerabilities.