CVE-2026-13191

Overview

The Create plugin for WordPress (v2.5.3 and earlier) contains a SQL injection flaw in the order_by parameter that can be exploited by users with author-level or higher privileges. Attackers can inject arbitrary SQL to read sensitive database data. This vulnerability is exploitable via the REST API endpoint that defaults to publish_posts capability.

Description

The Create plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to generic SQL Injection via the 'order_by' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.5.3 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with author-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database. The REST endpoint permission callback defaults to the publish_posts capability, meaning any Author-level user or above can reach the vulnerable code path without any additional preconditions.

Impact

Confidentiality: attackers can read private data such as user credentials and content. Integrity: potential for data tampering if the attacker can modify queries. Availability: not directly affected. Defenders should focus on users with author-level or higher roles.

Remediation

Update the Create plugin to version 2.5.4 or later where the order_by parameter is properly sanitized. If update is not possible, restrict the REST endpoint to administrators only or remove the publish_posts capability from authors. Additionally, implement a WAF rule to block suspicious order_by payloads and monitor database query logs for anomalies.

Risk context

The CVE has a medium severity score (CVSS 6.5) and a very low EPSS (0.00281), indicating a moderate risk but low likelihood of exploitation. Nonetheless, because the flaw requires only author-level access, it should be addressed promptly to prevent data exposure.

Affected products

• WordPress Create plugin 2.5.3
• WordPress Create plugin 2.5.2
• WordPress Create plugin 2.5.1
• WordPress Create plugin 2.5.0