CVE-2025-14477 identifies a SQL Injection vulnerability in the 404 Solution plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 3.1.0. The root cause is insufficient sanitization of the 'filterText' parameter within the 'ajaxUpdatePaginationLinks' AJAX action. The sanitization logic attempts to filter out malicious input but can be bypassed using the sequence '*$/', which transforms into '*/' after the removal of the '$' character, effectively escaping SQL comment contexts. This bypass allows an authenticated attacker with administrator-level privileges to append additional SQL commands to existing queries. The attack vector leverages time-based blind SQL injection techniques, enabling extraction of sensitive database information such as user credentials or configuration data without altering data integrity or availability. The vulnerability requires no user interaction but does require high privileges, limiting exploitation to trusted users with admin access. The CVSS score of 4.9 (medium) reflects the moderate risk due to the privilege requirement and lack of known active exploits. No patches are currently published, emphasizing the need for proactive mitigation. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89, highlighting improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands. Given WordPress's widespread use, especially in Europe, this vulnerability could impact numerous websites if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant confidentiality risk. Attackers with administrator access could leverage the flaw to extract sensitive data from backend databases, including user information, credentials, or proprietary content. Although exploitation requires admin privileges, insider threats or compromised admin accounts could lead to data breaches. The vulnerability does not affect data integrity or availability directly, but data leakage could result in regulatory non-compliance under GDPR, leading to legal and financial repercussions. Organizations relying on the 404 Solution plugin for WordPress-based websites, especially those handling personal or sensitive data, are at risk. The medium CVSS score reflects the moderate ease of exploitation balanced by the privilege requirement. However, given the potential for data exposure and the prevalence of WordPress in European digital infrastructure, the impact is non-trivial. Attackers could use extracted data for further attacks, phishing, or identity theft, amplifying the threat.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the 404 Solution plugin and verify its version. Until an official patch is released, administrators should restrict access to the WordPress admin panel to trusted personnel only, employing strong multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of compromised admin accounts. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the 'filterText' parameter, particularly those containing the '*$/' sequence or unusual SQL comment patterns. Regularly monitor database query logs for anomalies indicative of SQL injection attempts, such as unexpected delays or time-based query patterns. Employ the principle of least privilege by limiting database user permissions associated with WordPress to only necessary operations, reducing the potential impact of injection attacks. Backup critical data frequently and ensure backups are stored securely offline to enable recovery in case of compromise. Stay informed about vendor updates and apply patches promptly once available. Additionally, consider isolating WordPress instances in segmented network zones to limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs.