CVE-2010-4986 in Simple Document Management System
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in detail.php in Simple Document Management System (SDMS) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the doc_id parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2025
The CVE-2010-4986 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Simple Document Management System version 1.0, specifically affecting the detail.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the doc_id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code directly through the web interface, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure underlying the document management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the SDMS application code. When a user requests document details through the doc_id parameter, the application directly incorporates this value into SQL query construction without employing parameterized queries or proper input filtering. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an exploitable entry point where attacker-controlled data can alter the intended query execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates a classic example of insecure direct object reference patterns that lack proper access control validation.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker exploiting this flaw can execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive documents, user credentials, and system configuration data. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any internet-connected location without requiring physical access to the target network. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on SDMS for document storage, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of data isolation and access control that document management systems are designed to provide.
The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any user interaction with the detail.php script, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the system is publicly accessible. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform data extraction, modification, or deletion operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as exploited SQL commands can be used to establish persistent access or exfiltrate data. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewall rules to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4986 should prioritize the immediate implementation of secure coding practices such as input validation, parameterized database queries, and proper output encoding. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous sanitization before being processed by database systems. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. Furthermore, maintaining up-to-date system patches and following secure development lifecycle practices can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases of the software.