CVE-2018-25192 in GPS Tracking System
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2026
GPS Tracking System 2.12 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication by injecting SQL code through the username parameter. Attackers can submit crafted POST requests to the login.php endpoint with SQL injection payloads in the username field to gain unauthorized access without valid credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25192 resides within the GPS Tracking System version 2.12, representing a critical security flaw that fundamentally compromises the system's authentication mechanisms. This weakness enables attackers to bypass legitimate user verification processes through the exploitation of SQL injection techniques, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive tracking data and system controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the login.php endpoint, which serves as the primary entry point for user authentication within the GPS tracking infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's authentication routine. When users attempt to log in, the system accepts the username parameter without proper sanitization of special SQL characters and commands. Attackers can craft malicious POST requests that inject SQL code directly into the username field, allowing them to manipulate the underlying database query structure. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in software applications where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring any prior authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the GPS tracking system's functionality and data. Once authenticated, malicious actors can access real-time vehicle tracking information, historical location data, user management controls, and potentially sensitive operational details that could be exploited for financial gain or privacy violations. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any individual with network access to the system can exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for commercial GPS tracking services that may handle sensitive corporate or personal data. This weakness directly violates security principles of authentication and access control, as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in authentication systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-25192 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a newer version of the GPS Tracking System that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the login.php endpoint, while comprehensive logging and monitoring should be enabled to detect suspicious authentication attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and regular security assessments can further protect against similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify potential injection points and ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed by database systems. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular vulnerability assessments to maintain robust security postures in tracking and monitoring systems.