CMSsite SQLi Vulnerability (CVE-2019-25674)

Overview

CVE-2019-25674 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability in CMSsite version 1.0. The flaw exists in the post.php script, where user input passed through the post parameter is not properly sanitized before being used in database queries. This allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary SQL commands.

Technical Details

The vulnerability is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction to exploit. Attackers can send specially crafted GET requests containing malicious SQL code within the post parameter. Successful exploitation enables attackers to read, modify, or delete data within the application’s database. This includes sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and system configuration. The flaw also facilitates time-based blind SQL injection attacks, which can be used to extract data even when error messages are suppressed.

Impact

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to a full compromise of the application’s database. Attackers can exfiltrate all stored data, potentially causing a significant data breach. Stolen administrative credentials could allow further system compromise, and manipulated data could disrupt site functionality. Given the ease of exploitation-no credentials are required-this flaw presents a serious risk to any unpatched installation. For context on the consequences of such data exposure, recent incidents are detailed in our breach reports.

Remediation and Mitigation

The primary remediation is to apply an official patch or update from the CMSsite vendor immediately. If a patch is not available, consider the following immediate mitigation steps:

• Input Validation and Sanitization: Implement strict whitelist input validation and parameterized queries for all user-supplied data, especially the post parameter.
• Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF configured with rules to block SQL injection patterns. This can provide a temporary barrier while a permanent fix is developed.
• Disclosure Check: If you run CMSsite 1.0, audit your system and application logs for any suspicious SQL-related activity or unexpected database queries.
• Alternative: As a last resort, if the software is no longer supported, migrate to a maintained alternative content management system.

Security Insight

This vulnerability is a classic example of the persistent risk posed by simple input validation failures in widely deployed web software. It mirrors the exploitation patterns seen in many mass-scale data breaches, where automated bots scan for and exploit known SQLi flaws in specific CMS versions. The existence of such a straightforward, high-severity flaw in a core function suggests a lack of secure coding practices and basic security testing in the affected version’s development lifecycle. Stay informed on similar threats through our security news.

Further Reading

• All High Vulnerabilities
• Recent Critical Vulnerabilities
• Top Critical CVEs