CVE-2026-22850 is an SQL injection vulnerability affecting ibericode's Koko Analytics plugin for WordPress versions earlier than 2.1.3. The issue arises because the plugin's public tracking endpoint (src/Resources/functions/collect.php) accepts unauthenticated input parameters such as 'pa' (path) and 'r' (referrer) and stores them verbatim in analytics database tables without sanitization or escaping. During the admin export process (src/Admin/Data_Export.php), these stored values are directly embedded into SQL INSERT statements without proper escaping, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that break out of the intended SQL context. When an administrator imports this exported data (src/Admin/Data_Import.php), the import handler reads the SQL file, performs only superficial header checks, splits statements on semicolons, and executes each statement via $wpdb->query without validating statement types or target tables. This enables arbitrary SQL execution on the WordPress database. Furthermore, any authenticated user with the 'manage_koko_analytics' capability can upload arbitrary .sql files, which are executed similarly without validation. The combined effect allows attackers to delete core WordPress tables such as wp_users, insert backdoor administrator accounts, or perform other destructive or privilege-escalating actions. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.4 (high severity), with network attack vector, high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and requires user interaction (admin import). No known exploits are reported in the wild. The issue is fixed in version 2.1.3 of the plugin.

For European organizations using WordPress sites with the vulnerable Koko Analytics plugin, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress database, including deletion of user accounts, insertion of malicious administrator accounts, and potential site defacement or data theft. This threatens the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected websites. Organizations relying on WordPress for customer-facing or internal services may suffer reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR breaches due to data loss or unauthorized access), and operational disruption. The ability for unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL via public endpoints increases the attack surface, while the import functionality amplifies the risk by executing attacker-controlled SQL. The vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for further network compromise if WordPress credentials or administrative access are escalated. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe, especially among SMEs and public sector entities, the impact could be broad if patches are not applied promptly.

1. Immediately upgrade the Koko Analytics plugin to version 2.1.3 or later, which contains the patch for this vulnerability. 2. Restrict access to the WordPress admin dashboard to trusted IPs or via VPN to reduce risk of malicious imports. 3. Implement strict file upload controls and validation to prevent unauthorized SQL file uploads, including disabling or limiting the 'manage_koko_analytics' capability to only highly trusted administrators. 4. Monitor and audit analytics export/import activities and database queries for suspicious patterns indicative of SQL injection attempts. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block SQL injection payloads targeting the tracking endpoint parameters. 6. Regularly back up WordPress databases and files to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. 7. Educate administrators on the risks of importing untrusted SQL files and enforce policies requiring verification of exported data before import. 8. Consider isolating analytics data storage or using database user accounts with minimal privileges to limit damage from SQL injection. 9. Review and harden WordPress security configurations, including disabling unnecessary plugins and enforcing strong authentication.