CVE-2017-17626 in PHP Classified Script
Summary
by MITRE
Readymade PHP Classified Script 3.3 has SQL Injection via the /categories subctid or mctid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17626 affects the Readymade PHP Classified Script version 3.3, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the application to unauthorized data access through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the /categories endpoint where the subctid or mctid parameters are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the script's database interaction logic. When the application processes the subctid or mctid parameters through the categories endpoint, it directly incorporates these values into SQL query construction without employing prepared statements or proper parameterized queries. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is concatenated into SQL commands, and represents a classic example of insufficient input sanitization in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the web application's database user. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing unauthorized access to classified listings, user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the application's database. The vulnerability's accessibility through the public-facing categories endpoint means that any user with access to the application can potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous for production environments.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1213.002 for data from information repositories. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability exists in a classified script environment where sensitive user data is typically stored, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise user privacy and business data. Organizations running this version of the script face significant risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized query usage throughout the application. The recommended approach involves replacing direct string concatenation with prepared statements or stored procedures that properly separate SQL command structure from data values. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization, output encoding, and least privilege database user permissions can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parameter handling functions and ensure that all database interactions follow secure coding practices aligned with OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security.