CVE-2018-5211 in PHP Melody
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Melody version 2.7.1 suffer from SQL Injection Time-based attack on the page ajax.php with the parameter playlist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5211 affects PHP Melody version 2.7.1 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that operates through a time-based attack vector. This vulnerability specifically targets the ajax.php page within the application's playlist parameter, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing this content management platform. The flaw allows attackers to execute malicious SQL commands by manipulating the playlist parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized database access and data exfiltration. The time-based nature of the attack means that the vulnerability can be exploited through response timing variations that reveal information about the underlying database structure. This type of SQL injection attack falls under the category of blind SQL injection where attackers must infer database contents through indirect methods rather than direct output manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the playlist parameter handling mechanism. When user-supplied input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization, it creates an opening for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code. The attack exploits the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate the playlist parameter received through the ajax.php endpoint, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted payloads. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The time-based attack methodology relies on the server's response time variations when executing different SQL queries, enabling attackers to determine whether their injected commands are successful and infer database contents through a process of trial and error.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5211 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete system compromise through database-level access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify or delete database records, and potentially gain access to additional system resources. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire PHP Melody application, as it provides a pathway for unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where PHP Melody is used for content management, media hosting, or user account management, as these systems often contain sensitive user information and proprietary content. The time-based nature of the attack also makes detection more challenging for security monitoring systems, as the malicious activity may appear as normal database queries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5211 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should upgrade to PHP Melody version 2.7.2 or later, which contains patches specifically designed to address this vulnerability. The fix typically involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques and utilizing prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. Security measures should include validating all user inputs, implementing proper error handling to prevent information leakage, and applying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their PHP Melody installations to identify any other potential vulnerabilities that may exist within the application or its associated systems. The remediation process should also include monitoring database access logs for signs of exploitation attempts and implementing network-level controls to restrict access to the vulnerable ajax.php endpoint. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a common attack pattern that appears in various security frameworks including the ATT&CK matrix under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the critical need for security updates in content management systems. Organizations should implement regular security patching procedures and maintain current awareness of vulnerabilities affecting their software stack. The time-based SQL injection approach used in this vulnerability highlights the sophisticated methods that modern attackers employ to exploit seemingly minor flaws in web applications. Proper security architecture practices, including the principle of least privilege, input validation, and secure coding practices, are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. This case underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing, including both automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing, to identify and remediate such critical flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors in the wild.