CVE-2020-26625 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 'user_id' parameter after the login portal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-26625 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Gila CMS versions 1.15.4 and earlier, exposing the platform to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the user_id parameter within the login portal, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to the system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data before incorporating it into database operations, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user authentication for access control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits maliciously crafted input through the user_id parameter during the authentication process. This input bypasses normal validation checks and gets directly embedded into SQL query structures, allowing the attacker to manipulate the underlying database operations. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack vector where the attacker can craft payloads that either extract sensitive information from the database or execute arbitrary commands on the server. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in data handling and input validation processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-26625 extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to achieve persistent access to the CMS infrastructure. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows unauthorized users to execute web scripts and potentially escalate privileges within the system. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Gila CMS for content management, as attackers could modify website content, steal user credentials, or even establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects the authentication mechanism at its core, meaning that any successful exploitation directly compromises the integrity of the user access control system.
Organizations utilizing affected Gila CMS versions must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the CMS that properly sanitizes user inputs and implements parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application, including the web application firewall level, can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all user input handling mechanisms and ensure that proper access controls are in place to limit the potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation, making it a critical target for immediate remediation efforts.