CVE-2013-4887 in Xibo
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in Digital Signage Xibo 1.4.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the displayid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4887 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Digital Signage Xibo 1.4.2 platform, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the displayid parameter is manipulated by an attacker, allowing malicious SQL commands to be injected and executed against the underlying database. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query structures, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized database access.
This SQL injection vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-89, which categorizes it as an improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from the database, modify or delete records, and potentially gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can facilitate privilege escalation and persistent access to the digital signage management system.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on Digital Signage Xibo for content management and display control. Attackers can manipulate the digital signage content, disrupt service availability, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of digital signage networks, which may be used for critical communications in enterprise environments, healthcare facilities, or public venues. Organizations may experience service disruption, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of information stored within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4887 should prioritize immediate patching of the Digital Signage Xibo platform to version 1.4.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack surfaces, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify additional vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activities and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators and developers can help prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability by promoting secure coding practices aligned with industry standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.