Actively Exploited, CISA KEV

CVE-2026-60137: WordPress Core Vulnerability

Severity: Medium | CVSS 3.1: 5.9 | Published: 2026-07-17 | KEV Added: 2026-07-21

What is CVE-2026-60137?

WordPress 6.8.x before 6.8.6, 6.9.x before 6.9.5, and 7.0.x before 7.0.2 does not properly sanitise the author__not_in parameter of WP_Query, which could allow SQL Injection when a plugin or theme passes untrusted input to the parameter.

Technical Analysis

Weakness Classification

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-89, SQL Injection. Untrusted data is included in SQL queries without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to read, modify, or delete database contents.

Attack Vector Breakdown

  • Attack Vector: Network
  • Attack Complexity: High
  • Privileges Required: None
  • User Interaction: None
  • Scope: Unchanged
  • Confidentiality: High
  • Integrity: None
  • Availability: None

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability is exploitable over the network, meaning any system reachable via the internet or internal network is potentially at risk without physical access. Successful exploitation can result in full confidentiality breach (complete data disclosure). Untrusted data is included in SQL queries without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to read, modify, or delete database contents.

Exploitation Probability (EPSS): 78.0% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (100th percentile). This places the vulnerability in the highest risk tier, immediate action is critical.

Is CVE-2026-60137 being exploited?

Yes. CVE-2026-60137 is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, restricted to CVEs with confirmed active exploitation in the wild. CISA added this vulnerability on 2026-07-21. Inclusion in KEV triggers the patching mandate under BOD 22-01 for U.S. federal civilian agencies, with a remediation deadline of 2026-08-04.

How to fix CVE-2026-60137

Apply the security update issued by WordPress for Core. Check the WordPress Security Releases page for the specific patch or update. If an immediate patch is not possible, consult the vendor advisory for mitigation guidance, restrict network exposure of the affected service, and monitor logs for indicators of exploitation. CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog requires U.S. federal agencies to remediate this vulnerability by the due date shown below under Binding Operational Directive 22-01. Private organizations should treat KEV entries as priority-one patches because active exploitation has been confirmed in the wild.

Related Vulnerabilities

Other actively exploited vulnerabilities affecting Core or sharing the same weakness (CWE-89):

  • CVE-2026-63030 (Critical 9.8) [same product], WordPress 6.9.x before 6.9.5 and 7.0.x before 7.0.2 is affected by a REST API…
  • CVE-2026-9082 (Critical 9.8) [same product + same CWE], Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL…
  • CVE-2026-42208 (Critical 9.8) [same CWE], LiteLLM is a proxy server (AI Gateway) to call LLM APIs in OpenAI (or native)…
  • CVE-2026-21643 (Critical 9.8) [same CWE], An improper neutralization of special elements used in an sql command ('sql…
  • CVE-2024-43468 (Critical 9.8) [same CWE], Microsoft Configuration Manager Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

Is CVE-2026-60137 critical?

CVE-2026-60137 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.9, Medium severity. Prioritize based on exposure and the active exploitation signal from the KEV listing.

Is CVE-2026-60137 being actively exploited?

Yes, CISA added CVE-2026-60137 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-07-21. Inclusion in KEV means CISA has confirmed in-the-wild exploitation.

How do I patch CVE-2026-60137?

Apply the security update from WordPress for Core. Federal agencies must remediate by 2026-08-04 under BOD 22-01. Refer to the WordPress Security Releases for the official patch.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-60137?

CVE-2026-60137 is classified under CWE-89 (SQL Injection). Untrusted data is included in SQL queries without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to read, modify, or delete database contents.

What is the CVSS score for CVE-2026-60137?

CVE-2026-60137 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.9, classifying it as Medium severity. The attack vector is Network, attack complexity is High, and no privileges are required.