CVE-2018-5972 in Classified Ads CMS Quickad
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in Classified Ads CMS Quickad 4.0 via the keywords, placeid, cat, or subcat parameter to the listing URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5972 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Classified Ads CMS Quickad 4.0 platform, specifically affecting the listing functionality through multiple parameter exposure points. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the listing URI, where the keywords, placeid, cat, and subcat parameters are directly incorporated into database queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code that can be executed within the database context, potentially compromising the entire backend infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the Quickad CMS codebase. When users submit search queries or filter listings through these specific parameters, the application constructs SQL queries by directly concatenating user input without employing prepared statements or proper escaping mechanisms. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities resulting from inadequate input validation and improper query construction. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors, including UNION-based attacks, error-based exploitation, or time-based blind SQL injection techniques depending on the database backend configuration and the attacker's access level.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with potentially full database access and administrative privileges within the classified ads platform. Successful exploitation could result in complete data compromise including user credentials, personal information, advertising content, and potentially the ability to inject malicious code or establish persistent backdoors within the application environment. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the classified ads system, making it a high-risk target for attackers seeking to disrupt services or extract sensitive information from the platform's database infrastructure. This vulnerability also poses significant risks to the platform's integrity and the trust of its users who rely on the system for legitimate classified advertising services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5972 should focus on immediate patching of the Quickad CMS to the latest version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious SQL injection attempts, while also implementing proper database access controls and regular security auditing practices. The remediation process should include code reviews to ensure all database query construction follows secure programming practices, particularly aligning with OWASP Top Ten security guidelines and NIST cybersecurity framework recommendations. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring mechanisms will help detect potential exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles for defensive measures, particularly focusing on preventing initial access through input validation and maintaining security controls throughout the application lifecycle.