CVE-2019-25439 in NoviSmart
Summary
by MITRE • 02/22/2026
NoviSmart CMS contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries by injecting malicious code through the Referer HTTP header field. Attackers can craft requests with time-based SQL injection payloads in the Referer header to extract sensitive database information or cause denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25439 resides within NoviSmart CMS, a content management system that has been found to contain a critical SQL injection flaw. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the Referer HTTP header field, which is commonly used by web browsers to indicate the address of the page that linked to the resource being requested. The flaw represents a significant security weakness that allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions by injecting malicious SQL code directly through this header field. This particular attack vector is especially concerning because it leverages a standard HTTP header that is automatically included in most web requests, making the exploitation relatively straightforward and potentially widespread.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a time-based SQL injection technique where attackers craft specifically designed Referer header values that, when processed by the CMS, trigger database operations that can be used to extract information or cause system disruption. The time-based approach means that attackers can infer database contents by measuring response times or by using conditional SQL statements that cause delays when certain conditions are met. This methodology allows for the extraction of sensitive data without requiring direct output from the database, making detection more difficult and the attack more stealthy. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the CMS's handling of HTTP headers, particularly the Referer field, which should be treated as untrusted input and properly escaped before any database operations occur.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable full database compromise and potential system takeover. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, personal information, and other sensitive data stored within the CMS database. The time-based nature of the injection also allows for denial of service conditions where attackers can cause excessive database load through repeated malicious requests, potentially leading to system instability or complete service unavailability. Additionally, successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the CMS, enabling them to modify content, create new user accounts, or even install malicious code on the affected system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent user-controllable input from being directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25439 should focus on immediate patching of the affected NoviSmart CMS installations, as this represents the most effective solution to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for all HTTP headers, particularly the Referer field, ensuring that any user-controllable input is properly escaped or parameterized before database interaction. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious Referer header patterns, though these should be considered temporary measures until proper patches are applied. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and time-based response variations that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege in database access, ensuring that CMS applications use minimal database permissions and that sensitive operations require additional authentication layers. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential injection points within their web applications and implement proper security testing including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.