CVE-2018-7474 in Textpattern
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Textpattern CMS 4.6.2 and earlier. It is possible to inject SQL code in the variable "qty" on the page index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7474 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Textpattern CMS versions 4.6.2 and earlier, demonstrating a fundamental failure in input validation and parameter sanitization. This weakness exists within the index.php page where the variable "qty" is processed without adequate security measures, allowing malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The flaw stems from improper handling of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for unauthorized database access and potential data compromise.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent security weakness in software applications. The issue enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized modifications to content management systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it targets a core functionality page that likely handles user interactions and content retrieval, making it accessible to both authenticated and unauthenticated users depending on the implementation details.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7474 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through database manipulation, privilege escalation, or even lateral movement within network environments where the CMS operates. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, modify content, or extract sensitive information including administrative credentials and personal data stored within the CMS database. The vulnerability's presence in widely used CMS software amplifies its potential impact across numerous websites and organizations relying on Textpattern for content management.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which addresses exploit public-facing application. The flaw represents a classic example of insufficient input validation, making it particularly attractive to automated exploitation tools and script kiddies. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to version 4.6.3 or later, implementing proper input sanitization, and applying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced and that the database user account used by the CMS has minimal necessary permissions to prevent escalation of privileges.