CVE-2018-25173 in Rmedia SMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2026
Rmedia SMS 1.0 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to extract database information by injecting SQL code through the gid parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to editgrp.php with malicious gid values using EXTRACTVALUE and CONCAT functions to retrieve schema names and sensitive database data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25173 affects Rmedia SMS version 1.0 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that compromises the integrity of the application's database layer. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization within the editgrp.php script, specifically in how the gid parameter is processed. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without requiring any legitimate credentials or access privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can reach the vulnerable web application. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating an avenue for malicious code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the EXTRACTVALUE and CONCAT SQL functions to extract sensitive database information through carefully crafted GET requests. Attackers can construct malicious gid parameter values that, when processed by the vulnerable application, trigger SQL injection attacks. The EXTRACTVALUE function in particular is used to force the database to generate XML errors that contain the requested database schema information, while CONCAT functions help in building the malicious payloads. This approach allows attackers to extract database names, table structures, and potentially sensitive data without requiring direct database access or administrative privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to encompass full database compromise and potential system infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to all database records, potentially including user credentials, personal information, and application configuration data. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that organizations with this vulnerable software are immediately at risk from external threat actors who may scan for and exploit such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also demonstrates how legacy or poorly maintained software can present significant security risks, as Rmedia SMS 1.0 appears to be an older application that likely lacks modern security features and input validation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to complete system compromise or lateral movement within network environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing proper input sanitization and validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in database queries. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, as well as conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities in their systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS), representing how attackers can leverage publicly accessible web applications to gain unauthorized access. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against SQL injection attacks that remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security threats.