CVE-2019-25778 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/22/2026
SeaCMS through 8.7 contains an unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL through the rlist[] array parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to /comment/api/index.php with crafted rlist[] values using backtick-quoted variables and extractvalue to extract database information via error messages. Exploitation evidence was first observed by the Shadowserver Foundation on 2023-10-14.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2026
SeaCMS versions through 8.7 are susceptible to a critical unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary Structured Query Language commands against the underlying database infrastructure. This flaw resides within the application logic handling the rlist array parameter, which is processed via GET requests directed at the /comment/api/index.php endpoint. The root cause of this issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing user-supplied data for list retrieval operations. Because the vulnerability exists in an unauthenticated context, any internet-facing instance running a vulnerable version can be targeted without requiring valid credentials or prior authentication sessions, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for malicious actors seeking to compromise the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on specific SQL injection techniques that leverage MySQL error-based extraction methods. Attackers craft malicious payloads containing backtick-quoted variables and utilize functions such as extractvalue to force the database engine to return sensitive information through error messages generated during query execution. This technique allows adversaries to bypass standard input filtering by encoding their commands in a way that triggers specific parsing errors, which are then reflected back in the HTTP response body. Through iterative manipulation of these payloads, attackers can systematically enumerate database schema details, extract table names and column structures, and ultimately retrieve sensitive data stored within the application's database, including user credentials, personal information, or proprietary content metadata.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides a direct pathway for full database compromise. Once an attacker successfully exploits the SQL injection flaw, they can perform unauthorized read operations to exfiltrate critical business data and potentially modify existing records if the underlying database permissions allow write access. This level of control undermines the confidentiality, integrity, and availability principles of information security. The presence of this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations relying on SeaCMS for content management, as it could lead to data breaches, regulatory non-compliance due to exposure of personally identifiable information, and reputational damage resulting from publicized security failures.
Evidence of active exploitation has been documented by the Shadowserver Foundation starting October 14, 2023, indicating that this vulnerability is being actively targeted in the wild. This real-world exploitation activity underscores the urgency for immediate remediation efforts. Organizations running SeaCMS versions prior to or including version 8.7 must prioritize patching and upgrading to a secure version where these input validation flaws have been addressed by the developers. In addition to applying vendor-provided updates, administrators should implement web application firewalls configured with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection patterns involving extractvalue functions and backtick-quoted variables in GET parameters. Regular security audits and penetration testing are also recommended to ensure that no residual vulnerabilities remain within the deployment environment.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, which describes flaws where software does not properly neutralize special elements like quotes or backticks before incorporating them into database queries. Furthermore, the exploitation technique maps to MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Database Query Injection and Data from Information Repositories, reflecting the adversary's intent to extract structured data through manipulated query execution. Understanding these mappings helps security teams contextualize the threat within broader attack frameworks and prioritize mitigation strategies based on established industry standards for preventing SQL injection attacks in web applications.