CVE-2026-16588: WP Directory Kit <= 1.5.4 - Authenticated (Custom+) SQL Injection via 'order_by' Parameter
The WP Directory Kit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to blind SQL Injection via the 'orderby' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.4 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 custom-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
wordpress/wp-directory-kitto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.5.4 - Configuration
Update WP Directory Kit to address blind SQL injection in the 'order_by' parameter (vulnerable in all versions up to and including 1.5.4).
WP Directory Kit (WordPress plugin) order_by parameter handling = insufficient escaping / lack of sufficient preparation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can exploit this issue?
An attacker must be authenticated to WordPress and have custom-level access or higher. Unauthenticated visitors are not described as able to exploit it.
What access does successful exploitation provide?
The SQL injection is blind and can be used to extract sensitive information from the WordPress database. The provided data does not indicate an integrity or availability impact.
Which installations should be treated as affected?
WP Directory Kit versions through 1.5.4, including 1.5.4, are affected. The data does not identify a fixed version.