CVE-2025-8977 is a medium-severity SQL Injection vulnerability affecting the Simple Download Monitor plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 3.9.33. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands (CWE-89), specifically in the 'order' parameter. This parameter is insufficiently escaped and the SQL query is not properly prepared, allowing an authenticated attacker with Contributor-level access or higher (and permissions granted by an Administrator) to inject additional SQL queries. The attack is time-based, meaning the attacker can infer data by measuring response delays, enabling extraction of sensitive information from the database without direct error messages. The CVSS 3.1 score is 6.5 (medium), with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), no integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N) impact. No known exploits are currently in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability requires authenticated access, limiting exposure to users with at least Contributor role and administrative permissions, but it remains a significant risk due to the potential data leakage from the underlying database. The plugin is widely used in WordPress environments to manage downloadable files, making it a relevant target for attackers seeking to compromise websites and extract sensitive data.

For European organizations using WordPress websites with the Simple Download Monitor plugin, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized data disclosure. Attackers with Contributor-level access could exploit the SQL Injection flaw to extract sensitive information from the database, potentially including user data, configuration details, or other confidential content stored within the WordPress database. This could lead to privacy violations under GDPR, reputational damage, and potential regulatory penalties. Since the attack does not affect data integrity or availability, the primary concern is confidentiality breach. The requirement for authenticated access reduces the risk of external attackers exploiting this vulnerability directly, but insider threats or compromised accounts could be leveraged. Organizations with large WordPress deployments, especially those managing downloads or digital assets, are at higher risk. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests limited current exploitation, but the vulnerability's medium severity and ease of exploitation (low complexity) mean it could be targeted in the future. European entities must consider the risk of data leakage and the implications for compliance and trust.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting Contributor and higher roles to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of insider exploitation. 2. Monitor and audit user activities, especially those with Contributor or higher privileges, to detect unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 3. Apply principle of least privilege by reviewing and tightening permissions for users and roles within WordPress. 4. Since no official patch is currently linked, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Simple Download Monitor plugin with alternative solutions that do not have this vulnerability. 5. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the 'order' parameter. 6. Regularly back up WordPress databases and monitor logs for anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Stay updated with vendor announcements for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 8. Conduct security assessments and penetration testing focused on WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities proactively.