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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
MEDIUM 6.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-08-21
Original CVE updated
2026-08-26
Advisory published
2026-08-21
Advisory updated
2026-08-26

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.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-16959 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-16959

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-16959 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-16959

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.