PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-16959 Media Library Assistant CVE debrief

The Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin before 3.40 does not validate a search parameter before concatenating it into a SQL query in one of its media-library query handlers, allowing users with the Author role to perform SQL injection. This vulnerability could allow attackers to extract or modify sensitive data, potentially leading to further exploitation of the affected system. Users with the Author role may be able to perform SQL injection attacks against sites using the Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin before version 3.40. The CVE record and NVD entry provide limited information about the vulnerability. Defenders should verify installed versions, review query handling, and monitor for suspicious SQL queries.

Vendor: Media Library Assistant
Product: Media Library Assistant
CVSS: Unknown
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2026-08-21
Original CVE updated: 2026-08-21
Advisory published: 2026-08-21
Advisory updated: 2026-08-21

Who should care

Users of the Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin, particularly those with the Author role, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. Site administrators, security teams, and operators using the plugin should review and apply patches or mitigations as needed. Vulnerability management and security teams should prioritize patching and monitor for potential SQL injection attacks against sites using the Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin before version 3.40.

Technical summary

The Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin before 3.40 does not validate a search parameter before concatenating it into a SQL query in one of its media-library query handlers, allowing users with the Author role to perform SQL injection. This could enable attackers to execute unauthorized SQL queries, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for sites that allow users with the Author role, as they may be able to exploit this issue without elevated privileges.

Defensive priority

Users with the Author role may be able to perform SQL injection attacks against sites using the Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin before 3.40.

Recommended defensive actions

Inventory and verify installed version of Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin
Restrict Author role privileges if possible
Monitor for suspicious SQL queries
Consider upgrading to version 3.40 or later of the Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide limited information about the vulnerability. Further investigation is needed to determine the full scope of the issue. The Media Library Assistant WordPress plugin before 3.40 does not validate a search parameter before concatenating it into a SQL query in one of its media-library query handlers, allowing users with the Author role to perform SQL injection. Defenders should verify installed versions, review query handling, and monitor for suspicious SQL queries.

Official resources

AI-assisted PatchSiren debrief based on the supplied source corpus. The CVE record was published on 2026-08-21T07:16:24.940Z and has not been modified since then.