CVE-2018-6410 in Machform
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Appnitro MachForm before 4.2.3. There is a download.php SQL injection via the q parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6410 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Appnitro MachForm versions prior to 4.2.3, specifically affecting the download.php script. This vulnerability exposes the application to unauthorized database access through manipulation of the q parameter, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this form management platform. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's database query construction process, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the q parameter in the download.php endpoint to inject malicious SQL code. This flaw falls under CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in application security. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, enabling attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the underlying database system. The q parameter serves as the primary attack vector, where malicious input can manipulate the SQL execution flow and potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6410 extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations utilizing affected MachForm versions face risks of unauthorized data access, including sensitive user information, form submissions, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the database. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, network service scanning, as attackers may use this vulnerability to map database structures and identify additional attack surfaces. The exposure of database credentials and user information can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and regulatory compliance violations under data protection frameworks such as GDPR and HIPAA.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patch version 4.2.3, which addresses the SQL injection flaw through proper input validation and parameterized query construction. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and strict input validation routines to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Network segmentation and database access controls should be reinforced to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the application stack, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 security requirements. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security controls throughout the application lifecycle to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.