CVE-2026-24572 identifies a Blind SQL Injection vulnerability in Nelio Software's Nelio Content plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 4.1.0. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements within SQL commands, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that the backend database executes. Blind SQL Injection means attackers cannot directly see query results but can infer data through response behaviors or timing attacks. This type of injection can lead to unauthorized data disclosure, modification, or even full database compromise depending on the privileges of the database user. The vulnerability does not currently have a CVSS score and no public exploits have been reported, but the risk remains significant due to the widespread use of WordPress and the plugin’s role in content management. Exploitation typically requires sending crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoints, which may not require authentication or user interaction, increasing the attack surface. The plugin’s integration with WordPress sites means that any compromised site could expose sensitive content or user data, potentially violating data protection regulations such as GDPR. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate defensive measures to reduce risk.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial. Many enterprises and public sector entities rely on WordPress and plugins like Nelio Content for managing digital content, including sensitive or regulated information. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to confidential data, data integrity violations, and potential disruption of content management workflows. This could result in reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR, and operational downtime. Additionally, attackers could leverage the vulnerability as a foothold for further network intrusion or lateral movement. The blind nature of the SQL injection complicates detection but does not diminish the potential for serious data breaches. Organizations in sectors such as media, government, education, and e-commerce are particularly at risk due to their reliance on web content management systems and the sensitivity of their data.

1. Monitor Nelio Software’s official channels for security patches and apply updates to Nelio Content immediately upon release. 2. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with specific rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the plugin’s endpoints. 3. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data interacting with the plugin, employing parameterized queries or prepared statements where possible. 4. Restrict database user privileges associated with the WordPress installation to the minimum necessary to limit the impact of a successful injection. 5. Perform regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on web application vulnerabilities, including SQL injection. 6. Enable detailed logging and monitoring of web application traffic to detect anomalous query patterns indicative of injection attempts. 7. Educate development and IT teams about secure coding practices and the risks associated with SQL injection vulnerabilities. 8. Consider isolating critical WordPress instances or sensitive content management systems within segmented network zones to reduce lateral movement risk.