CVE-2025-4203: CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') in tomdever wpForo Forum
The wpForo Forum plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to error‐based or time-based SQL Injection via the get_members() function in all versions up to, and including, 2.4.8 due to missing integer validation on the 'offset' and 'row_count' parameters. The function blindly interpolates 'row_count' into a 'LIMIT offset,row_count' clause using esc_sql() rather than enforcing numeric values. MySQL 5.x’s grammar allows a 'PROCEDURE ANALYSE' clause immediately after a LIMIT clause. Unauthenticated attackers controlling 'row_count' can append a stored‐procedure call, enabling error‐based or time‐based blind SQL injection that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-4203 is a SQL Injection vulnerability classified under CWE-89, found in the wpForo Forum plugin for WordPress, specifically in the get_members() function. The vulnerability is due to missing integer validation on the 'offset' and 'row_count' parameters, which are used directly in a SQL LIMIT clause. The plugin uses esc_sql() to sanitize these parameters, but this function does not enforce numeric-only input, allowing attackers to append a MySQL stored procedure call (such as PROCEDURE ANALYSE) immediately after the LIMIT clause. This behavior is possible because MySQL 5.x syntax permits a PROCEDURE ANALYSE clause following LIMIT. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by manipulating the 'row_count' parameter to perform error-based or time-based blind SQL injection attacks. These attacks can be used to extract sensitive information from the database, such as user credentials or other private data, without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability affects all versions of wpForo Forum up to and including 2.4.8. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a significant risk. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5, reflecting high severity due to network attack vector, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high confidentiality impact but no integrity or availability impact.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of data exposure, particularly for those using the wpForo Forum plugin to manage community discussions or customer interactions. Sensitive information stored in the database, such as user data, private messages, or administrative credentials, could be extracted by attackers, leading to privacy violations and potential compliance breaches under GDPR. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the threat surface, allowing remote attackers to target vulnerable installations without prior access. This could result in reputational damage, legal consequences, and loss of user trust. Additionally, organizations relying on wpForo for critical communication may face indirect operational impacts if attackers leverage extracted data for further attacks or social engineering campaigns. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the urgency of remediation given the vulnerability's high severity and ease of exploitation.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediate upgrade: Organizations should update wpForo Forum to the latest version once a patch addressing CVE-2025-4203 is released by the vendor. 2. Input validation: Until a patch is available, implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing suspicious 'offset' or 'row_count' parameter values, especially those including non-numeric characters or SQL keywords like 'PROCEDURE ANALYSE'. 3. Database permissions: Restrict database user permissions to minimize the impact of SQL injection, ensuring the WordPress database user has only necessary privileges and cannot execute stored procedures. 4. Monitoring and logging: Enable detailed logging of web requests and database queries to detect anomalous patterns indicative of SQL injection attempts. 5. Disable or restrict plugin usage: If feasible, temporarily disable the wpForo Forum plugin or restrict access to the vulnerable functionality until a patch is applied. 6. Conduct security audits: Regularly scan WordPress installations with vulnerability scanners that include checks for SQL injection vulnerabilities. 7. Harden WordPress security: Employ security best practices such as least privilege, regular backups, and timely updates of all plugins and core components.
Affected Countries
Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain
CVE-2025-4203: CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') in tomdever wpForo Forum
Description
The wpForo Forum plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to error‐based or time-based SQL Injection via the get_members() function in all versions up to, and including, 2.4.8 due to missing integer validation on the 'offset' and 'row_count' parameters. The function blindly interpolates 'row_count' into a 'LIMIT offset,row_count' clause using esc_sql() rather than enforcing numeric values. MySQL 5.x’s grammar allows a 'PROCEDURE ANALYSE' clause immediately after a LIMIT clause. Unauthenticated attackers controlling 'row_count' can append a stored‐procedure call, enabling error‐based or time‐based blind SQL injection that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-4203 is a SQL Injection vulnerability classified under CWE-89, found in the wpForo Forum plugin for WordPress, specifically in the get_members() function. The vulnerability is due to missing integer validation on the 'offset' and 'row_count' parameters, which are used directly in a SQL LIMIT clause. The plugin uses esc_sql() to sanitize these parameters, but this function does not enforce numeric-only input, allowing attackers to append a MySQL stored procedure call (such as PROCEDURE ANALYSE) immediately after the LIMIT clause. This behavior is possible because MySQL 5.x syntax permits a PROCEDURE ANALYSE clause following LIMIT. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by manipulating the 'row_count' parameter to perform error-based or time-based blind SQL injection attacks. These attacks can be used to extract sensitive information from the database, such as user credentials or other private data, without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability affects all versions of wpForo Forum up to and including 2.4.8. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a significant risk. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5, reflecting high severity due to network attack vector, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high confidentiality impact but no integrity or availability impact.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of data exposure, particularly for those using the wpForo Forum plugin to manage community discussions or customer interactions. Sensitive information stored in the database, such as user data, private messages, or administrative credentials, could be extracted by attackers, leading to privacy violations and potential compliance breaches under GDPR. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the threat surface, allowing remote attackers to target vulnerable installations without prior access. This could result in reputational damage, legal consequences, and loss of user trust. Additionally, organizations relying on wpForo for critical communication may face indirect operational impacts if attackers leverage extracted data for further attacks or social engineering campaigns. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the urgency of remediation given the vulnerability's high severity and ease of exploitation.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediate upgrade: Organizations should update wpForo Forum to the latest version once a patch addressing CVE-2025-4203 is released by the vendor. 2. Input validation: Until a patch is available, implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing suspicious 'offset' or 'row_count' parameter values, especially those including non-numeric characters or SQL keywords like 'PROCEDURE ANALYSE'. 3. Database permissions: Restrict database user permissions to minimize the impact of SQL injection, ensuring the WordPress database user has only necessary privileges and cannot execute stored procedures. 4. Monitoring and logging: Enable detailed logging of web requests and database queries to detect anomalous patterns indicative of SQL injection attempts. 5. Disable or restrict plugin usage: If feasible, temporarily disable the wpForo Forum plugin or restrict access to the vulnerable functionality until a patch is applied. 6. Conduct security audits: Regularly scan WordPress installations with vulnerability scanners that include checks for SQL injection vulnerabilities. 7. Harden WordPress security: Employ security best practices such as least privilege, regular backups, and timely updates of all plugins and core components.
Affected Countries
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2025-05-01T17:33:14.175Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68fc745955d697d32d43908c
Added to database: 10/25/2025, 6:55:21 AM
Last enriched: 10/25/2025, 6:55:56 AM
Last updated: 10/25/2025, 3:55:39 PM
Views: 12
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