CVE-2010-1994 in TomatoCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in TomatoCMS before 2.0.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the q parameter in conjunction with a /news/search PATH_INFO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1994 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within TomatoCMS version 2.0.4 and earlier, exposing web applications to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file and occurs when the application processes the q parameter through PATH_INFO handling during news search operations. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with basic technical skills. The security implications extend beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data manipulation, and unauthorized access to sensitive user information.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's search functionality. When the q parameter is passed through PATH_INFO, the application fails to properly escape or filter special SQL characters and commands, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended query structure. This represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The vulnerability exists because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into SQL queries without proper parameterization or input sanitization mechanisms. The PATH_INFO handling mechanism creates an additional attack vector since it processes URL segments in a way that bypasses standard input validation checks, making the vulnerability particularly insidious as it can be exploited through seemingly legitimate search functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond immediate data breaches, creating cascading security risks for organizations using affected TomatoCMS installations. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to administrative privileges, extracting sensitive user data including passwords and personal information, or even modifying database content to inject malicious code. The vulnerability's accessibility through standard web browsing means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access or specialized tools beyond basic web exploitation techniques. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data loss incidents, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The attack surface is broad since any website using TomatoCMS version 2.0.4 or earlier and implementing news search functionality is potentially vulnerable, affecting numerous web applications across different industries and use cases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1994 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected TomatoCMS installations to version 2.0.5 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications, following the principle of least privilege for database access. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and unauthorized access attempts, particularly around search functionality. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol, and T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses in other web applications, ensuring adherence to secure coding practices and preventing future incidents of this nature.