CVE-2026-13191: Create <= 2.5.3 - Authenticated (Author+) SQL Injection via 'order_by' Parameter
The Create plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to generic SQL Injection via the 'orderby' 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 publishposts capability, meaning any Author-level user or above can reach the vulnerable code path without any additional preconditions.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
WordPress Create pluginto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.5.3 - Configuration
Change the REST endpoint permission callback so that it does not default to the publish_posts capability; require a capability/role that is not available to Author-level users so they cannot reach the vulnerable code path.
WordPress Create plugin REST endpoint permission_callback (publish_posts default) = Require capability higher than publish_posts (or restrict to trusted roles)
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can exploit this issue?
An authenticated WordPress user with the Author role or any higher-privileged role can reach the vulnerable REST code path. The endpoint permission check defaults to the publish_posts capability, so no additional permissions are required.
Does exploitation require administrator access or user interaction?
No. Author-level access is sufficient, and no user interaction is required. The attacker must be able to submit a crafted order_by parameter to the affected REST endpoint.
What can an attacker obtain through this vulnerability?
The SQL injection can allow an attacker to append SQL to existing queries and extract sensitive information from the WordPress database. The provided information does not indicate an integrity or availability impact.
Which plugin versions are affected?
All Create plugin versions through 2.5.3, including 2.5.3, are affected.