CVE-2019-25573 in Green CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2026
Green CMS 2.x contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries by injecting malicious code through the cat parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to index.php with m=admin, c=posts, a=index parameters and inject SQL code in the cat parameter to manipulate database queries and extract sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25573 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Green CMS version 2.x, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in input validation and query construction processes. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative functionality of the content management system where authenticated users can exploit the flaw through manipulation of the cat parameter in GET requests. The attack vector operates through the index.php endpoint with specific parameters m=admin, c=posts, and a=index, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL code directly into the database layer. The flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input, allowing attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to database operations. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent and dangerous flaw that enables attackers to manipulate database queries and extract sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with the capability to modify database contents, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data corruption.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations utilizing Green CMS 2.x, as it transforms any authenticated user into a potential threat actor with elevated privileges. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract user credentials, database schemas, and sensitive content from the system, potentially leading to further exploitation through lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill as it operates through standard HTTP GET requests, making it accessible to attackers with basic web application penetration testing knowledge. The administrative context of the flaw means that even users with limited privileges can potentially escalate their access to full administrative control over the CMS, creating a significant risk for organizations that rely on this platform for content management and user authentication. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as attackers can manipulate the application to extract and potentially modify stored data. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability also means that organizations must consider insider threats and the importance of principle of least privilege in their security models.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25573 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-provided patches or upgrading to versions that address this specific SQL injection vulnerability. The implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase, particularly in areas where user input is processed for database operations. Web Application Firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while database access controls should be implemented to limit the privileges of application users and prevent unauthorized database manipulation. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input sanitization as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, specifically addressing the prevention of injection flaws that can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should also establish robust incident response procedures to quickly identify and contain exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive logging of database activities to support forensic analysis and compliance requirements.