CVE-2025-59397 in Open Web Analytics
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2025
Open Web Analytics (OWA) before 1.8.1 allows owa_db.php v[value] SQL injection.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2025
Open Web Analytics version 1.8.1 and earlier contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability in the owa_db.php script where the v[value] parameter is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. This flaw resides in the web application's input validation mechanisms and represents a classic example of insufficient data sanitization that enables malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input values. The vulnerability affects the core database interaction functionality of the analytics platform, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the system's relational database management structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user-supplied data within the owa_db.php script where the v[value] parameter directly influences SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious SQL code through the v[value] parameter, which then gets executed within the database context, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where input validation should occur before any database interaction takes place.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. An attacker who successfully exploits this SQL injection flaw could gain access to sensitive user information, session data, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The consequences include unauthorized data manipulation, information disclosure, and possible service disruption that could affect the integrity and availability of the analytics platform. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations relying on Open Web Analytics for web traffic analysis and user behavior tracking, as it could expose confidential operational data and user privacy information.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Open Web Analytics version 1.8.1 or later where the vulnerability has been patched, applying input validation filters to all user-supplied parameters, and implementing proper database query parameterization techniques. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive input sanitization, output encoding, and regular security testing of database interactions. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logging of database access patterns to detect unauthorized activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in database access controls, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol traffic and T1046 for network service scanning.