CVE-2019-25697: CMSsite SQLi

Overview

CVE-2019-25697 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability in CMSsite version 1.0. The flaw resides in the category.php file, where the cat_id parameter is not properly sanitized before being used in a database query. This allows attackers to manipulate the SQL command executed by the application.

Vulnerability Details

An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted GET request to the category.php endpoint. By injecting malicious SQL code into the cat_id parameter, an attacker can interfere with the application’s database queries. The primary risk is the extraction of sensitive information from the database, which can include administrative usernames, hashed passwords, and other application data. The CVSS score of 8.2 reflects the network-based, low-complexity attack that requires no privileges or user interaction.

Impact

Successful exploitation can lead to a full compromise of the database backend. Attackers can steal credentials, which may enable unauthorized access to the CMSsite administrative panel. From there, further system compromise, data theft, or website defacement is possible. While this vulnerability is not currently listed on CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, its nature makes it a likely target for opportunistic attacks.

Remediation and Mitigation

The definitive solution is to upgrade to a patched version of the software. Users of CMSsite 1.0 should immediately contact the vendor for an official update or patch. If an immediate patch is not available, consider the following mitigations:

• Input Validation and Sanitization: Implement strict allow-list input validation on the cat_id parameter to only accept expected, non-malicious values.
• Use Prepared Statements: Modify the application code to use parameterized queries (prepared statements) for all database interactions, which separates SQL logic from data.
• Network Controls: If possible, restrict network access to the affected web application to only trusted IP addresses.
• Monitoring: Review web server and database logs for unusual SQL error messages or suspicious query patterns originating from the category.php file. For more on how such vulnerabilities lead to incidents, see our breach reports.

Security Insight

This vulnerability is a textbook example of persistent insecure coding practices in smaller-scale CMS platforms. Similar to flaws historically found in early versions of larger systems like Joomla or WordPress plugins, it highlights how a single unsanitized parameter can expose an entire application. It underscores the critical need for secure development lifecycle practices, even in niche software, as these products are often integrated into business environments without rigorous security assessment. Stay informed on similar threats through our security news.

Further Reading

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