CVE-2021-47872 in SEO Panel
Summary
by MITRE • 01/21/2026
SEO Panel versions prior to 4.9.0 contain a blind SQL injection vulnerability in the archive.php page that allows authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through the 'order_col' parameter. Attackers can use sqlmap to exploit the vulnerability and extract database information by injecting malicious SQL code into the order column parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2026
The CVE-2021-47872 vulnerability represents a critical blind sql injection flaw discovered in SEO Panel versions before 4.9.0, specifically affecting the archive.php page functionality. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the 'order_col' parameter, which is used to determine the column ordering in database queries. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations by injecting malicious sql code through the order column parameter, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited without requiring additional privileges beyond legitimate user access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a blind sql injection pattern where attackers cannot directly observe database query results through error messages or direct output. Instead, they must infer information through indirect means such as response timing variations or boolean-based indicators. The vulnerability specifically targets the archive.php page which likely handles data retrieval and display operations for archived content, making it a prime target for information extraction attacks. Attackers can leverage automated tools like sqlmap to systematically probe and exploit the vulnerability, using techniques that can extract database schema information, user credentials, and other sensitive data through carefully crafted sql injection payloads.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using affected SEO Panel installations. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers must first gain legitimate user credentials, but once achieved, they can perform extensive database reconnaissance and data exfiltration activities. The vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in cwe-89, which addresses sql injection flaws, and aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework under data extraction and credential theft categories. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully, particularly given that seo panel is commonly used for web analytics and search engine optimization activities that often involve sensitive business data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-47872 should prioritize immediate patching to version 4.9.0 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures including parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other application components. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be strengthened to limit user privileges and reduce the potential impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and the application of secure coding practices, particularly in web applications handling user input that interfaces with database systems, aligning with nist cybersecurity framework recommendations for vulnerability management and secure software development lifecycle practices.