CVE-2026-111444 in Wheels
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2026
Wheels through 4.1.2 allows SQL injection on MySQL/MariaDB with backslash escaping enabled (NO_BACKSLASH_ESCAPES absent) when an application supplies request data to inline-literal paths. These include opt-in parameterize=false queries and IN lists, and positions in developer-written where strings that the parser does not bind, such as BETWEEN bounds, function arguments and LIKE ESCAPE literals. Doubling single quotes without accounting for backslash escapes allows a value to alter the query. Bound paths are not affected; whereBetween() is bound from 4.1.2. This is fixed in 4.2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2026
The vulnerability identified in Wheels framework versions through 4.1.2 represents a critical SQL injection flaw specific to MySQL and MariaDB database engines when the NO_BACKSLASH_ESCAPES system variable is not enabled. This security defect arises from an improper handling of input data within inline-literal query paths, where user-supplied request parameters are directly interpolated into SQL statements without adequate sanitization or parameter binding mechanisms. The core technical flaw lies in the framework's failure to properly escape single quotes when backslash escaping is active, allowing attackers to manipulate the structure of the executed SQL command by injecting malicious payloads that alter query logic and potentially expose sensitive database contents.
This vulnerability specifically affects several common development patterns within the Wheels ecosystem where developers opt out of parameterized queries or utilize dynamic string construction for specific operations. These include scenarios involving explicit opt-in configurations such as setting parameterize to false, which bypasses automatic protection mechanisms. Additionally, the flaw impacts IN lists and positions within developer-written WHERE clauses that are not bound by the framework's parser. Specific examples of vulnerable contexts include BETWEEN bounds, function arguments, and LIKE ESCAPE literals where input values are concatenated directly into the query string rather than being passed as secure parameters to the database driver.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows authenticated or unauthenticated attackers depending on application exposure to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion within the underlying MySQL or MariaDB instance. Attackers can exploit the backslash escaping behavior by doubling single quotes in a way that neutralizes escape sequences, effectively breaking out of string literals and injecting additional SQL syntax. This capability enables full database compromise including extraction of credentials, sensitive business logic, and personal identifiable information stored in the application's data layer.
Industry standards classify this issue under CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, highlighting the failure to properly sanitize user input before its inclusion in a query. From a tactical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter if exploitation leads to further system compromise, or more directly T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application for initial access leading to data exfiltration via SQL injection. The lack of proper input validation against backslash escape sequences is a classic example of insufficient defensive coding practices in web application frameworks.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve upgrading the Wheels framework to version 4.2.0 or later, where this issue has been resolved and functions like between are properly bound by default. For applications unable to upgrade immediately, developers should ensure that all user-supplied input is strictly validated against expected formats using allowlists rather than relying solely on escape sequences. Implementing parameterized queries for all database interactions remains the most effective defense against SQL injection attacks. Additionally, configuring MySQL or MariaDB instances with NO_BACKSLASH_ESCAPES enabled can mitigate this specific vector by changing how backslashes are interpreted during string parsing, although application-level fixes remain the primary recommendation to ensure robust security posture across diverse deployment environments.