SQL Injection Vulnerability in WP Directory Kit Plugin Affects WordPress Users
CVE-2026-16589

7.7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

WordPress
Status
WP Directory Kit
Vendor
CVE Published:
8 August 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2026-16589?

The WP Directory Kit plugin for WordPress suffers from a security flaw that allows SQL injection attacks due to inadequate sanitization and escaping of parameters in authenticated AJAX actions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it lacks proper authorization and nonce checks. This oversight permits authenticated users, including those with low-level privileges like Subscribers, to execute arbitrary SQL queries against the database, potentially leading to data exposure or corruption.

Affected Version(s)

WP Directory Kit 0 < 1.5.5

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2026-16589 - Proof of Concept

References

https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/6ee8c3b7-5ffe-4b9e-877a-...
exploitvdb-entrytechnical-description

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.7
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
None
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Changed

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Yaswanth Reddy Sunkara
WPScan
.