A critical SQL injection vulnerability (CVE-2025-39471) has been identified in the Pantherius Modal Survey plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 2.0.2.0.1. The flaw, rated 9.3 (CRITICAL) on the CVSSv3.1 scale, allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially compromising database integrity and exposing sensitive information. The vulnerability was disclosed on April 18, 2025, by Patchstack, which serves as the CVE Numbering Authority (CNA) for this entry1.
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands (CWE-89), a common issue in web applications that fail to implement parameterized queries. In this case, the Pantherius Modal Survey plugin does not adequately sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL statements. This oversight enables attackers to craft malicious inputs that modify the intended SQL query structure, potentially allowing data extraction, modification, or database administration operations.
According to the Patchstack advisory1, the vulnerability affects all plugin versions through 2.0.2.0.1. The CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:L) indicates the attack can be launched remotely without authentication, with high impact on confidentiality and low impact on availability. The scope change (S:C) metric suggests the vulnerability may affect components beyond the security scope of the vulnerable plugin.
Impact Assessment
The primary risk associated with this vulnerability is unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the WordPress database. This could include survey responses, user information, or other confidential content managed through the plugin. While the integrity impact is rated as none in the CVSS assessment, successful exploitation could still lead to data manipulation through standard SQL injection techniques.
The EPSS score of 0.03% suggests low probability of widespread exploitation in the next 30 days1. However, the critical severity rating warrants immediate attention, particularly for organizations using the plugin for sensitive data collection. The remote attack vector and lack of required authentication make this vulnerability particularly dangerous for exposed WordPress installations.
Detection and Mitigation
Organizations using the Pantherius Modal Survey plugin should immediately check their installed version. The vulnerable versions include all releases up to and including 2.0.2.0.1. As of the disclosure date, no patched version was available through official channels.
Recommended mitigation steps include:
- Disabling or removing the plugin until an official update is available
- Implementing web application firewall rules to block SQL injection patterns
- Reviewing database logs for suspicious query patterns
- Auditing any custom code that interacts with the plugin’s functions
For organizations that must continue using the plugin, implementing parameterized queries in any custom code that interacts with the plugin’s functions can reduce the attack surface. Input validation should be applied to all data processed by the plugin, though this may not fully mitigate the core vulnerability.
Relevance to Security Professionals
This vulnerability presents both risks and opportunities for security teams. For defensive operations, immediate detection capabilities should be implemented to identify exploitation attempts. Database monitoring for unusual query patterns, particularly those targeting the plugin’s tables, can help detect compromise attempts.
From an offensive security perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the continued prevalence of SQL injection flaws in WordPress plugins, despite widespread awareness of the risk. The case highlights the importance of thorough plugin security reviews in WordPress environments, particularly for data collection components.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-39471 represents a serious threat to WordPress sites using the Pantherius Modal Survey plugin. The critical severity rating and remote exploitability make this vulnerability particularly dangerous for exposed installations. Organizations should prioritize mitigation efforts and monitor for official patches from the vendor.
The continued discovery of SQL injection vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough security reviews of third-party components. This case also highlights the value of vulnerability disclosure programs like Patchstack Alliance in identifying and responsibly disclosing such issues.
References
- “WordPress Modal Survey Plugin ≤ 2.0.2.0.1 – SQL Injection Vulnerability.” Patchstack, 18 Apr. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/modal-survey/vulnerability/wordpress-modal-survey-plugin-2-0-2-0-1-sql-injection-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- “CVE-2025-39471 Detail.” National Vulnerability Database, 18 Apr. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-39471
