PrettyLinks administrative search parameter permits SQL injection
PrettyLinks through 3.6.20 passes the attacker-controlled s parameter from the Pretty Links administrative listing page into search_links_table() without sufficient escaping or query preparation. An Administrator can append SQL to the existing query and extract sensitive database contents. This 4.9-scored record received deeper review because the underlying primitive is SQL injection, although the disclosed path already requires Administrator access; the CNA does not identify a lower-privilege or unauthenticated route.
- Component
- PrettyLinks – Affiliate Link Management, URL Shortener, Link Cloaking, Tracking & Branded Short Links
- Plugin slug
pretty-link- Affected
- <= 3.6.20
- Safe version
> 3.6.20- Published
- Aug 05, 2026
This CVE was published Aug 05, 2026 and is one of 6 known issues for this plugin.
Update, patch or deactivate.
Update PrettyLinks to a release after 3.6.20. The authoritative record links the upstream query correction but does not identify the first fixed release. Import administrative requests or links only from trusted sources until updated.
A safe version is available, so updating to that version or later is the preferred remediation. If an immediate update is not practical, consider a targeted application patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality.
Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.
Technical description
The PrettyLinks – Affiliate Links, Link Branding, Link Tracking, Marketing and Stripe Payments Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the 's' (search) parameter on the Pretty Links listing page in all versions up to, and including, 3.6.20. This is due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query in the `search_links_table()` function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N