CVE-2026-28501 in AVideo
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2026
WWBN AVideo is an open source video platform. Prior to version 24.0, an unauthenticated SQL Injection vulnerability exists in AVideo within the objects/videos.json.php and objects/video.php components. The application fails to properly sanitize the catName parameter when it is supplied via a JSON-formatted POST request body. Because JSON input is parsed and merged into $_REQUEST after global security checks are executed, the payload bypasses the existing sanitization mechanisms. This issue has been patched in version 24.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2026-28501 represents a critical unauthenticated SQL injection flaw in the WWBN AVideo open source video platform affecting versions prior to 24.0. This security weakness resides within the application's handling of video-related data processing components, specifically in the objects/videos.json.php and objects/video.php files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process the catName parameter when submitted through JSON-formatted POST requests. The root cause of this flaw lies in the application's architecture where JSON input parsing occurs after global security checks have already been executed, creating a window where malicious payloads can bypass existing sanitization controls. This architectural oversight allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the database layer without requiring authentication credentials, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected application endpoints.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a specific attack pattern that leverages the application's processing flow and parameter handling mechanisms. When a JSON POST request is received containing a catName parameter, the system parses this input and merges it into the $_REQUEST superglobal array after initial security validations have already been completed. This sequence creates a race condition where the malicious payload enters the application before proper sanitization occurs, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack vector where an attacker can manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the catName parameter. This flaw maps directly to CWE-89 which defines SQL injection vulnerabilities as the improper handling of input data that is directly incorporated into SQL command construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects core video management components, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive database information, modify video records, or even escalate privileges within the application's data layer.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-28501 extends beyond simple data extraction capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the underlying database, potentially exposing user credentials, video metadata, and other sensitive information stored within the AVideo platform. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that malicious actors can target the vulnerability without needing valid login credentials, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage scope. Depending on the database configuration and application permissions, this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute administrative commands, modify or delete video content, alter user accounts, or even establish persistent access through database-level backdoors. The implications for organizations using AVideo platforms are severe, as the vulnerability could lead to content tampering, privacy violations, and potential regulatory compliance issues. Furthermore, the vulnerability's presence in core video management components means that successful exploitation could compromise the entire video platform infrastructure, affecting thousands of users and potentially leading to service disruption or complete platform compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-28501 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The primary and most effective mitigation is upgrading to AVideo version 24.0 or later, which includes proper input sanitization mechanisms and secure parameter handling. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious JSON request patterns that attempt SQL injection attacks. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including JSON parsing, parameter sanitization, and database query construction to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly validated before processing. The application architecture should be reviewed to ensure that security checks occur before any input parsing or merging operations, preventing the bypass scenario that enabled this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of database access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar architectural flaws that could create similar bypass opportunities. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the enhanced security controls that prevent the bypass mechanism from occurring. Organizations should also establish processes for tracking and managing third-party software vulnerabilities, ensuring timely updates and patches are applied to maintain overall security posture.