CVE-2026-73850 in Emlog
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2026
Emlog is an open source website building system. In 2.6.20 and earlier, there is a SQL injection vulnerability in the queryDatabase function in ai.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2026
The vulnerability identified in Emlog versions 2.6.20 and earlier represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the content management system's database interactions. This SQL injection vulnerability specifically resides within the queryDatabase function located in the ai.php file, exposing the platform to unauthorized data manipulation and potential system compromise. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through poorly filtered user inputs.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-89, which categorizes it as a SQL injection weakness where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack surface becomes particularly dangerous when considering that ai.php functions are likely designed to handle administrative or database query operations, making them prime targets for exploitation. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute malicious SQL commands that can bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive information from databases, modify or delete critical system data, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates opportunities for persistent system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive user information. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, personal data, and administrative functions that are typically protected by proper authentication controls. The implications are particularly severe given that Emlog is an open source platform with widespread adoption, meaning that any exploitation could affect numerous websites simultaneously. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as it allows attackers to manipulate database contents and extract information through compromised application interfaces.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to address the core SQL injection flaw through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations must implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that prevent malicious payloads from reaching database execution layers while maintaining legitimate functionality. The recommended approach includes adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions, implementing proper access controls for administrative functions, and establishing robust monitoring systems to detect anomalous database access patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, ensuring that the platform maintains adequate defenses against evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape.
The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and adherence to established security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten recommendations for preventing injection flaws. Organizations should implement automated security testing tools that can identify SQL injection vulnerabilities during development and deployment phases, reducing the risk of similar issues in future releases. The incident underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security monitoring that can detect and respond to exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerabilities. Proper security training for developers on secure coding practices remains essential to prevent recurrence of such flaws in other parts of the application infrastructure.