CVE-2019-25697 in CMSsite
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2026
CMSsite 1.0 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the cat_id parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to category.php with malicious cat_id values to extract sensitive database information including usernames and credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25697 affects CMSsite version 1.0 and represents a critical SQL injection flaw that compromises the integrity of the underlying database system. This vulnerability resides within the category.php script where the cat_id parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted SQL injection payloads, effectively bypassing authentication mechanisms and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. When an attacker sends a GET request to category.php with a malicious cat_id value, the application directly concatenates this input into the SQL statement without adequate security controls. This primitive approach to input handling aligns with CWE-89 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, making the system particularly susceptible to exploitation by attackers who understand basic SQL injection techniques. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple web-based attacks without requiring any prior authentication credentials or specialized tools beyond standard web browsing capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to the entire database backend. Successful exploitation enables unauthorized users to extract usernames, passwords, and other sensitive credentials stored within the system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to additional resources. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature makes it particularly dangerous as it allows any internet-facing system to be exploited without requiring prior access or credentials. This exposure creates significant risk for organizations relying on CMSsite 1.0 for content management, as attackers can systematically enumerate database contents, extract user information, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to perform data manipulation, deletion, or injection of malicious content that could affect the availability and integrity of the managed website content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25697 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective immediate fix involves updating the category.php script to utilize prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL command structure from user input data. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization measures that validate and filter all user-supplied parameters before processing them within database operations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The remediation approach should align with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on defensive techniques against command injection and credential exposure attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist within other components of the CMSsite application, while also implementing proper access controls and database security measures to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.