CVE-2020-26624 in Gila
Summary
by MITRE • 01/03/2024
A SQL injection vulnerability was discovered in Gila CMS 1.15.4 and earlier which allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary web scripts via the ID parameter after the login portal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-26624 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Gila CMS version 1.15.4 and earlier installations. This vulnerability exists in the authentication and authorization pathways of the content management system, specifically targeting the ID parameter handling mechanism. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input, potentially compromising the entire CMS infrastructure and user data. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its location within the login portal, where attackers can exploit it without requiring prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on Gila CMS for content management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and parameter sanitization within the CMS's database interaction layers. When users attempt to log in or access protected resources, the system fails to properly escape or validate the ID parameter, allowing malicious SQL commands to be injected and executed within the backend database context. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental flaw in database query construction where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL statements without proper sanitization. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate database queries through parameter manipulation, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete database compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-26624 extends far beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive user credentials, content management data, and underlying database structures. Remote exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to escalate privileges, extract confidential information, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected web infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability operates within the login portal, which serves as a primary entry point for legitimate users and malicious actors alike. According to ATT&CK framework domain T1190, this vulnerability maps directly to the exploitation of remote services through injection flaws, while also aligning with T1071 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering or automated exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-26624 must prioritize immediate remediation through official software updates and patches provided by Gila CMS developers. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms, including parameterized queries and prepared statements, to prevent SQL injection attacks from succeeding. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and penetration testing should verify that all input parameters are properly sanitized. The implementation of proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, combined with regular security monitoring, will help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify anomalous query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security awareness training for administrators and developers is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code implementations, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and parameter handling in web application security.