Plugin Name	WordPress Likes and Dislikes Plugin
Type of Vulnerability	SQL Injection
CVE Number	CVE-2025-4840
Urgency	Critical
CVE Publish Date	2026-01-30
Source URL	CVE-2025-4840

Urgent Security Advisory: Critical Unauthenticated SQL Injection in “Likes and Dislikes” WordPress Plugin (≤ 1.0.0)

Executive Summary

• The “Likes and Dislikes” WordPress plugin (versions ≤ 1.0.0) suffers from a critical SQL Injection vulnerability (CVE-2025-4840) rated CVSS 9.3, exposing WordPress sites to serious risk.
• This flaw permits unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against your WordPress database via crafted requests without requiring any credentials.
• Possible consequences include sensitive data exposure, data corruption, unauthorized administrative control, and potential full site compromise.
• As of now, there is no official vendor patch. Immediate mitigation and containment are imperative for site owners.

At Managed-WP, we prioritize rapid, expert response to threats of this magnitude. Below is a comprehensive analysis of this vulnerability, its implications, detection methods, and a prioritized action plan to protect your WordPress environment.

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1. Understanding SQL Injection and Why This Vulnerability Is Critical

SQL Injection (SQLi) vulnerabilities enable attackers to manipulate backend database queries by injecting malicious input that is incorrectly sanitized. This can lead to unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion.

What makes this particular issue exceptionally dangerous:

• Remote exploitation over HTTP with no authentication hurdles.
• The ability to directly manipulate core WordPress data entities (users, posts, metadata).
• Potential for attackers to create persistent backdoors or malware within your site.

In practical terms, an attacker can extract confidential user information, alter content, or gain administrative privileges — jeopardizing site integrity, data privacy, and operational continuity.

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2. Specifics of the “Likes and Dislikes” Plugin Vulnerability

• Plugin: Likes and Dislikes
• Affected Versions: ≤ 1.0.0
• Vulnerability Type: Unauthenticated SQL Injection
• CVE ID: CVE-2025-4840
• Severity: Critical (CVSS 9.3)
• Current Status: No patch available from vendor

Due to the high-risk nature and lack of vendor fix, organizations must rely on immediate mitigations and security best practices to prevent attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

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3. Assessing Your Immediate Risk

Check if your site is vulnerable by confirming:

• Is the “Likes and Dislikes” plugin installed on your site?
• If yes, is the plugin version ≤ 1.0.0?
• Is the plugin currently active and accessible?
• Do you manage multiple WordPress installations with shared credentials or infrastructure?

If these conditions apply, your site faces immediate exposure. Attackers can exploit this remotely, scanning en masse for vulnerable installs to compromise.

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4. Immediate Response Checklist (within first 60–120 minutes)

Take these critical defensive steps without delay:

1. Identify all affected sites
   • Use WordPress admin or CLI tools (e.g., wp plugin list) to locate the plugin and check versions.
   • Inspect server file paths under /wp-content/plugins/ for presence.
2. Deactivate or remove the plugin immediately
   • From wp-admin: Navigate to Plugins and deactivate.
   • Via WP-CLI: wp plugin deactivate likes-and-dislikes (adjust plugin slug accordingly).
   • If inaccessible via admin, rename plugin folder through FTP or SSH to disable.
3. Put the site in maintenance mode to limit exposure while investigations proceed.
4. Create full backups — database and file-level snapshots stored offline.
5. Rotate all credentials — WordPress admin, FTP/SFTP, database users, and any API keys.
6. Monitor and restrict traffic — apply temporary WAF rules blocking SQLi patterns targeting plugin endpoints; block suspicious IP addresses.
7. Notify stakeholders about the incident and actions underway if managing client or organizational sites.

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5. Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) to Watch For

Be vigilant for signs that your site has been targeted or breached:

Server and Application Logs

• Unexpected requests to plugin-specific URLs with unusual or lengthy query strings.
• Presence of SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, INSERT, DROP, or encoded payloads.
• Unusual POST requests from unknown IP addresses.

Database Anomalies

• New or altered administrative user accounts in wp_users table.
• Unrecognized changes or entries in wp_options, wp_usermeta, or wp_postmeta.
• Unexpected serializations or large SELECT queries.

File System Changes

• New PHP files with random names in plugin or upload directories.
• Modified core WordPress or plugin files.
• Detection of known webshell or obfuscated code signatures.

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6. Post-Incident Recovery Procedures (24–72 hours)

1. Isolate the site — maintain maintenance mode and restrict access.
2. Preserve forensic evidence — ensure backups and logs are securely stored.
3. Remediation:
   • Option A: Rebuild WordPress environment from clean sources, restoring from pre-compromise backups.
   • Option B: In-place cleanup: remove malicious files, reset core/plugin files, verify and sanitize database.
4. Rotate credentials and secrets — strong emphasis on database and admin account passwords.
5. Apply principle of least privilege to database users and server file permissions.
6. Enhance monitoring with file integrity tools, login alerts, and scheduled scans.
7. Conduct post-incident review to identify root cause, document actions, and refine security policies.

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7. Long-term Preventive Measures

• Maintain a minimum plugin footprint — remove inactive or unnecessary plugins.
• Adopt a disciplined patch and update cycle for all WordPress components.
• Apply least privilege permissions to database accounts and user roles.
• Implement file integrity monitoring and automated vulnerability scanning.
• Restrict administrative access with IP whitelisting and two-factor authentication.
• Leverage a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with virtual patching capabilities.
• Perform regular, encrypted backups with tested restore procedures.
• Conduct periodic security posture assessments and third-party audits.

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8. The Critical Role of Virtual Patching and WAF

When vendor patches are unavailable or delayed, virtual patching through a robust WAF is the frontline defense:

• Blocks exploit attempts targeting vulnerable plugin endpoints in real-time.
• Mitigates known SQLi signatures without altering application code.
• Rate-limits suspicious traffic and prevents mass scanning.
• Generates important logging data for forensic and threat intelligence purposes.

Managed-WP specializes in deploying timely, custom-tailored WAF rules to immediately shield your sites from exploitation while you plan comprehensive remediation.

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9. Guidance for Rule Tuning and False Positive Management

Effective WAF rule management involves balancing security with uninterrupted site functionality:

• Block SQL keywords and suspicious payloads only in unexpected request contexts.
• Rate-limit access to plugin paths that normally have low traffic volume.
• Whitelist legitimate parameter values when possible.
• Continuously test site features depending on the plugin to avoid blocking needed traffic.

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10. Practical Incident Detection Workflow

1. Search server access logs for SQL keyword patterns:

   grep -E "UNION|SELECT|SLEEP|BENCHMARK|INFORMATION_SCHEMA|OR 1=1" /var/log/apache2/access.log

2. Export recent user registrations or changes:

   wp db query "SELECT ID, user_login, user_email, user_registered FROM wp_users ORDER BY user_registered DESC LIMIT 50;" --allow-root

3. List recently modified files:

   find /var/www/html -type f -mtime -30 -print

4. Locate unauthorized PHP files in uploads:

   find /var/www/html/wp-content/uploads -iname '*.php'

5. Perform malware scans using updated signature databases.
6. Snapshot and isolate systems if any indication of compromise is confirmed.

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11. Immediate Steps If You Suspect a Breach

• Isolate the affected environment (maintenance mode, firewall block).
• Preserve logs and backups for analysis.
• Engage professional incident response if needed, especially when sensitive data is involved.
• Rebuild affected environments from trusted sources when feasible.
• Notify users in compliance with applicable laws if personal data is breached.

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12. Importance of Rigorous Plugin Security Hygiene

Plugins are essential but increase attack surface. Security best practices include:

• Using only actively maintained plugins with transparent update histories.
• Removing deactivated or unused plugins completely.
• Favoring well-reviewed plugins or custom development vetted by security experts.

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13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Should I immediately delete the plugin?

A: If patching is not possible and the plugin is active, deactivate immediately. For non-essential plugins, removal is recommended.

Q: Is an inactive plugin folder still risky?

A: Yes, especially if plugin files expose public endpoints or are partially executed. Complete removal is safest.

Q: Will changing the database password stop ongoing attacks?

A: It prevents new unauthorized access but does not remove backdoors or malicious users created earlier. Full remediation is necessary.

Q: Is virtual patching safe for all sites?

A: When carefully configured and tested, it is a highly effective and safe interim protection.

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14. How Managed-WP Protects Your Site

Managed-WP combines expert human oversight with automated defenses to deliver:

• Managed WAF with rapid response rule updates tailored to new vulnerabilities.
• Continuous malware scanning and proactive behavioral detection.
• Virtual patching for immediate risk reduction while official fixes are pending.
• Weekly threat intelligence and security reports (Pro plan).
• Incident response assistance and personalized remediation guidance.

Trusted by security professionals and businesses, Managed-WP ensures rapid risk mitigation combined with minimal operational disruption.

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15. Immediate Protection with Managed-WP Basic (Free)

We strongly advise all WordPress site owners to enable baseline protections without delay. Managed-WP Basic offers:

• Essential Web Application Firewall and malware scanning.
• Pre-configured rules to reduce exposure to SQLi and OWASP Top 10 risks.
• Fast onboarding and straightforward deployment.

Sign up here to start protecting your site instantly: https://managed-wp.com/pricing

For multiple sites and advanced remediation, consider upgrading to Managed-WP Standard or Pro plans.

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16. Summary & Recommended Next Steps

1. Immediately audit your WordPress sites for the “Likes and Dislikes” plugin ≤ 1.0.0.
2. Deactivate or remove the vulnerable plugin immediately.
3. Apply WAF and virtual patching rules if plugin removal is not immediately feasible.
4. Create comprehensive backups before making further changes.
5. Scan for compromise indicators and rotate all credentials.
6. Isolate affected sites upon suspicion of compromise and execute thorough recovery procedures.
7. Maintain continuous monitoring, patch management, and security hygiene thereafter.

Managed-WP stands ready to assist your remediation efforts—rapid mitigation is key to reducing risk and protecting your site’s integrity.

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17. Closing Thoughts from Managed-WP Security Experts

This critical vulnerability underscores the constant vigilance required for WordPress security. Attackers exploit disclosed flaws swiftly; security teams and site owners must respond even faster.

We recommend a layered defense approach: diligent patching, minimal plugin usage, proactive monitoring, least privilege access, robust backups, and centralized WAF protection.

For expert assistance, immediate mitigations, and ongoing security, trust Managed-WP: your partner in WordPress security excellence.

Stay vigilant and secure,
— The Managed-WP Security Team

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