CVE-2015-20120 in RealtyScript
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
Next Click Ventures RealtyScript 4.0.2 contains multiple time-based blind SQL injection vulnerabilities that allow unauthenticated attackers to extract database information by injecting SQL code into application parameters. Attackers can craft requests with time-delay payloads to infer database contents character by character based on response timing differences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-20120 affects Next Click Ventures RealtyScript version 4.0.2, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the application to unauthorized data extraction through time-based blind SQL injection techniques. This vulnerability resides within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to inject SQL code directly into user-supplied parameters. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes external inputs without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface where SQL commands can be executed within the database context. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a subset of CWE-94, concerning the injection of code into a SQL command. The presence of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform sophisticated reconnaissance operations against the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-20120 leverages time-based blind SQL injection methodologies that rely on manipulating database response times to extract information character by character. Attackers construct specially crafted requests containing SQL payloads that cause the database to delay responses when certain conditions are met, typically through the use of sleep functions or time-based conditional statements. This technique allows for the inference of database contents by monitoring response timing variations, where each character of database information is extracted through iterative requests that trigger measurable delays. The vulnerability affects multiple application parameters, meaning that various input points within the RealtyScript application can serve as entry vectors for this attack. The exploitation process typically involves sending multiple requests with varying payloads, observing response time differences, and using this timing information to reconstruct database schema, table names, and data values through systematic character-by-character enumeration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, creating significant risks for the organization operating the RealtyScript application. Unauthenticated attackers can potentially access sensitive customer information, property listings, user credentials, and other confidential data stored within the database. The time-based nature of the attack means that information extraction occurs gradually, allowing attackers to systematically harvest database contents without immediately triggering detection mechanisms. This stealthy approach enables prolonged reconnaissance phases where attackers can map database structures, identify critical data assets, and develop more sophisticated attack strategies. The vulnerability also compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire application ecosystem, potentially leading to service disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. Organizations may face legal consequences under data protection regulations such as gdpr or hipaa if sensitive information is compromised through this vulnerability, as the flaw represents a failure to implement proper input validation and sanitization measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-20120 must address both the immediate vulnerability and establish comprehensive security controls to prevent similar issues in the future. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before database processing occurs. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, particularly those involving time-based delays. The application should be updated to the latest version of RealtyScript that addresses this vulnerability, as Next Click Ventures likely released patches or updates to resolve the injection flaws. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on database interaction points, implement proper error handling to prevent information leakage, and establish monitoring protocols for unusual database response patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring, access controls, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their entire application portfolio. The remediation process should align with security frameworks such as the owasp top ten and mitre att&ck matrix, specifically addressing the sql injection and credential access techniques that attackers would employ to exploit this vulnerability.