CVE-2017-15579 in PHP Melody
Summary
by MITRE
In PHPSUGAR PHP Melody before 2.7.3, SQL Injection exists via an aa_pages_per_page cookie in a playlist action to watch.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15579 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in PHPSUGAR PHP Melody versions prior to 2.7.3, specifically affecting the playlist functionality within the watch.php script. This vulnerability manifests through improper input validation of the aa_pages_per_page cookie parameter, which is utilized during playlist operations. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through this cookie value, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a severe weakness in application security, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit database systems.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when a user interacts with the playlist feature in watch.php, where the application processes the aa_pages_per_page cookie value without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This cookie parameter directly influences the SQL query construction, allowing an attacker to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The attack vector leverages the fact that the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, creating a direct pathway for data manipulation and extraction. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can manipulate cookies through browser manipulation or other means.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15579 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential full database compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data modification, complete database enumeration, and potentially system command execution depending on the database configuration and privileges. The vulnerability affects content management systems that rely on PHP Melody for video hosting and playlist functionality, exposing websites to risks including user data theft, content tampering, and potential server compromise. Organizations using affected versions face significant security risks as this vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browser interactions, making detection and prevention challenging. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, representing common attack patterns that security teams must address.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15579 require immediate implementation of version updates to PHP Melody 2.7.3 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, along with comprehensive input validation for all cookie values and user-supplied data. Security measures should include cookie encryption, proper access controls, and regular security audits of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping software updated and following secure coding practices, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, where proper input validation and output encoding form fundamental security controls against injection attacks.