CVE-2018-5973 in Professional Local Directory Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in Professional Local Directory Script 1.0 via the sellers_subcategories.php IndustryID parameter, or the suppliers.php IndustryID or CategoryID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5973 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Professional Local Directory Script version 1.0, specifically affecting web applications that handle directory listings and business categorization. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the script's database interaction mechanisms. The affected parameters include sellers_subcategories.php with IndustryID, as well as suppliers.php with both IndustryID and CategoryID, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors to exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. When an attacker submits malicious input through the IndustryID or CategoryID parameters, the application fails to validate or escape special characters that could alter the intended SQL query structure. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is used in SQL commands without proper validation or escaping.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information from the database, or even compromise the entire web application infrastructure. Attackers could potentially access customer records, business listings, user credentials, and other sensitive directory data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects core directory functionality parameters, meaning that any user interacting with the directory listings or supplier categorization features could inadvertently trigger the exploit. This creates a persistent risk for businesses relying on the script for their local directory services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5973 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. Input validation and sanitization measures must be enforced at both the application and database levels, ensuring that all parameters undergo strict verification before processing. The affected script version should be updated to a patched release that addresses the SQL injection vulnerabilities, and security headers should be implemented to prevent common exploitation techniques. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database user permissions can limit the potential damage from successful attacks, while regular security audits and penetration testing can identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the directory system. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing database-level attacks that can compromise entire web applications.