CVE-2018-25179: Gumbo CMS SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2018-25179 Overview

Gumbo CMS version 0.99 contains a critical SQL injection vulnerability that enables unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries against the underlying database. The vulnerability exists in the language parameter of the settings endpoint, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. By sending specially crafted POST requests containing malicious SQL payloads, attackers can extract sensitive database information including usernames, database names, and version details without authentication.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated SQL injection allowing complete database compromise, including extraction of sensitive user credentials and system information.

Affected Products

• Gumbo CMS version 0.99

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-06 - CVE-2018-25179 published to NVD
• 2026-03-09 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2018-25179

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-89) in Gumbo CMS allows attackers to manipulate database queries through the language parameter in the settings endpoint. The application fails to implement proper input validation and parameterized queries, accepting user-controlled data directly into SQL statements. This classic injection flaw enables attackers to bypass application logic and interact directly with the database layer.

The vulnerability is particularly severe because it does not require authentication, meaning any network-accessible attacker can exploit it. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized data disclosure, data manipulation, and in some database configurations, potential remote code execution through database-specific functions.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is inadequate input sanitization in the settings endpoint handler. When processing POST requests, the application constructs SQL queries using string concatenation with the language parameter value, rather than using parameterized queries or prepared statements. This allows specially crafted input to break out of the intended SQL context and inject arbitrary SQL commands.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring an attacker to send HTTP POST requests to the vulnerable settings endpoint. The attacker injects SQL syntax into the language parameter, which is then processed by the backend database. Common attack techniques include UNION-based injection to extract data from other tables, boolean-based blind injection to infer data character by character, and time-based blind injection using database sleep functions.

Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to enumerate database schema, extract user credentials, access configuration data, and potentially escalate to operating system command execution depending on database privileges and configuration. The Exploit-DB #45837 entry provides additional technical details on exploitation techniques.

Detection Methods for CVE-2018-25179

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual POST requests to the settings endpoint containing SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, INSERT, DROP, or comment sequences like -- or /*
• Web server logs showing repeated requests with encoded SQL syntax in the language parameter
• Database query logs containing unexpected queries or syntax errors originating from the CMS application
• Evidence of data exfiltration through error-based SQL injection responses in HTTP traffic

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block common SQL injection patterns in POST parameters
• Implement database activity monitoring to identify queries with unusual structures or targeting sensitive tables
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for SQL injection attack patterns
• Review web server access logs for anomalous request patterns targeting the settings endpoint

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for the settings endpoint and analyze language parameter values for suspicious content
• Set up alerts for database errors that may indicate attempted SQL injection exploitation
• Monitor for unexpected database queries accessing user tables or system information
• Implement rate limiting on the settings endpoint to slow automated exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2018-25179

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to Gumbo CMS installations until patching is complete
• Implement WAF rules to filter SQL injection attempts in the language parameter
• Disable or restrict access to the settings endpoint if not required for operations
• Review database logs for evidence of prior exploitation and conduct incident response if compromise is detected

Patch Information

No vendor patch information is currently available in the CVE data. Organizations using Gumbo CMS 0.99 should consult the VulnCheck Advisory for the latest remediation guidance. Given the age and severity of this vulnerability, consider migrating to an actively maintained CMS platform.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with SQL injection detection rules in front of the vulnerable application
• Implement network segmentation to limit access to the CMS from trusted networks only
• Apply input validation at the application level by modifying the settings handler to sanitize the language parameter
• Consider using database-level controls to restrict the CMS database user to minimum required privileges

# Example WAF rule configuration for ModSecurity
# Block SQL injection attempts in language parameter
SecRule ARGS:language "@detectSQLi" \
    "id:1001,\
    phase:2,\
    deny,\
    status:403,\
    log,\
    msg:'SQL Injection Attempt Blocked in language parameter'"