CVE-2025-49404 is a high-severity SQL Injection vulnerability (CWE-89) affecting the Listeo-Core product developed by purethemes, specifically versions up to 1.9.32. SQL Injection occurs when user-supplied input is improperly neutralized before being included in SQL commands, allowing an attacker to manipulate the backend database queries. In this case, the vulnerability allows an attacker with low privileges (PR:L) and no user interaction (UI:N) to remotely exploit the flaw over the network (AV:N). The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.5 reflects a critical impact on confidentiality (C:H), with no direct impact on integrity (I:N) and a low impact on availability (A:L). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a significant risk. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for organizations to apply mitigations or monitor for updates. Listeo-Core is a WordPress-based directory and listing theme/plugin, often used by businesses to manage listings, bookings, and user data, which typically involves sensitive customer and business information stored in the database. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, particularly of confidential user or business data, potentially violating data protection regulations such as GDPR.

For European organizations using Listeo-Core, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data, including personal identifiable information (PII) of customers and business partners. Unauthorized data access could lead to data breaches, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties under GDPR. The ability to exploit this vulnerability remotely without user interaction increases the attack surface, especially for publicly accessible websites. While integrity and availability impacts are limited, the confidentiality breach alone can have severe consequences, including loss of customer trust and potential financial liabilities. Additionally, the scope change indicates that attackers might leverage this vulnerability to affect other components or escalate privileges within the system, compounding the risk. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, hospitality, and professional services that rely on Listeo-Core for client-facing portals are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score suggests attackers may develop exploits soon.

Given the absence of an official patch at the time of this report, European organizations should implement immediate compensating controls. These include: 1) Conducting a thorough code review and applying manual input validation and parameterized queries to all database interactions within Listeo-Core components; 2) Restricting database user privileges to the minimum necessary, preventing unauthorized data access or modification; 3) Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting Listeo-Core endpoints; 4) Monitoring web server and database logs for unusual query patterns or error messages indicative of injection attempts; 5) Isolating the affected application environment to limit lateral movement in case of compromise; 6) Keeping Listeo-Core installations updated and subscribing to vendor advisories for prompt patch deployment once available; 7) Educating development and security teams about secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in customizations or integrations. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on immediate risk reduction and proactive detection tailored to the specific product and vulnerability.