CVE-2025-0821 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in the Bit Assist plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to exploit a time-based SQL injection via the ‘id’ parameter. The SQL injection occurs due to insufficient escaping on user-supplied parameters, enabling attackers to append harmful SQL queries to existing ones.
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it allows for the extraction of sensitive information from the database, which poses a risk to organizations utilizing this plugin. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level, which necessitates prompt attention from security teams.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately to safeguard sensitive data and maintain compliance with security best practices. The vulnerability was published on February 14, 2025, and has been classified under CWE-89, indicating it is related to SQL injection issues.
Currently, there are no known public exploits for this vulnerability, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, given its nature, organizations should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that the Bit Assist plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the ‘id’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.2. This vulnerability stems from insufficient escaping on the user-supplied parameter and a lack of adequate preparation on the existing SQL query.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by appending additional SQL queries into existing queries, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the database.
The CVSS score of 6.5 is indicative of a medium severity level, with a high impact on confidentiality. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, with low complexity, requiring low privileges, and no user interaction.
The vulnerability was published on February 14, 2025, and is classified under CWE-89.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-0821 lies in the insufficient escaping of user input in the SQL query. The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to reach the vulnerable application remotely.
The attack complexity is low, as it requires only low-level privileges, making it accessible to authenticated users with minimal access rights. User interaction is not required for the exploitation of this vulnerability.
The confidentiality impact is high, as an attacker could potentially extract sensitive data, while integrity and availability impacts are negligible.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential exposure of sensitive data, which could lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and loss of customer trust. Given that the vulnerability allows for SQL injection, the blast radius could be extensive, affecting any database connected to the vulnerable plugin.
Organizations should assess their use of the Bit Assist plugin and prioritize patching as part of their security management practices. The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects the medium risk associated with this vulnerability, and security teams should act promptly, as the potential for exploitation exists even without current public exploits.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of the Bit Assist plugin range from all versions up to, and including, 1.5.2. Organizations using this plugin should ensure they upgrade to the latest version (1.5.3 or higher) to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should immediately patch their systems by upgrading to the latest version of the Bit Assist plugin. If the patch is unavailable, consider implementing input validation and escaping mechanisms to prevent SQL injection.
For additional security, organizations may consider performing a comprehensive security assessment or application security assessment to identify and remediate any other potential vulnerabilities.
Monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect any unusual database activity that could indicate exploitation attempts.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of SQL injection attempts, particularly unusual patterns in the 'id' parameter. Additionally, look for any unauthorized access attempts by authenticated users.
Behavioral anomalies in database interactions can also serve as indicators of an ongoing attack, warranting immediate investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The vulnerability identified in the Bit Assist plugin highlights the ongoing challenges associated with SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications. As seen in this case, even minor plugins can introduce significant risks if not properly managed.
Security teams should regularly review and update their security policies to include rigorous testing of third-party plugins. A proactive approach to vulnerability management can help mitigate risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
For further information on vulnerability management and best practices, organizations can refer to our vulnerability management program. Implementing a robust program is essential for early detection and mitigation of vulnerabilities.
Additionally, organizations may enhance their security posture through regular penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
By taking these measures, organizations can ensure that they are better prepared to defend against SQL injection and other vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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