CVE Alert: CVE-2025-11177 – tbenyon – External Login

Risk verdict

High risk: unauthenticated remote SQL injection via the External Login plugin could expose sensitive data; currently no active exploitation detected.

Why this matters

Because no authentication is required and the vector is network-accessible, an attacker could read data from the external authentication database (PostgreSQL or MSSQL). A breach could lead to data loss, regulatory exposure, and reputational damage for sites relying on this integration.

Most likely attack path

Remote, unauthenticated access is possible over the network; no user interaction required. An attacker can inject additional SQL through the log parameter, potentially exfiltrating data if the external DB is accessible and misconfigured; lateral movement is limited by database permissions.

Who is most exposed

WordPress sites using External Login with external DB authentication, especially in cloud or hosted environments where the DB is exposed to the web.

Detection ideas

• Anomalous database queries or errors tied to the log parameter in logs.
• Unusual spikes in data retrieval from the external DB.
• Repeated attempts with crafted payloads targeting SQL syntax errors.
• WAF/IDS alerts signalling SQL injection attempts on the plugin endpoint.

Mitigation and prioritisation

• Upgrade to a patched release (or latest available version) and verify vendor guidance.
• If patching is delayed, disable the plugin or switch to an alternative authentication method; restrict external DB access to trusted networks.
• Apply input validation and, where possible, prepared statements or parameterized queries in the integration layer.
• Enable monitoring and alerts for anomalous DB access patterns; review access controls and DB permissions.
• Plan a change-management window for patch deployment and validation.