CVE-2019-25481: iScripts ReserveLogic SQL Injection Flaw

CVE-2019-25481 Overview

iScripts ReserveLogic contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the jqSearchDestination parameter. Attackers can send POST requests to the search endpoint with crafted SQL payloads to extract sensitive database information. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to extract sensitive database information, potentially compromising user credentials, personal data, and other confidential information stored in the application's database.

Affected Products

• iScripts ReserveLogic (all versions prior to patch)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-12 - CVE CVE-2019-25481 published to NVD
• 2026-03-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2019-25481

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL injection vulnerability exists in the search functionality of iScripts ReserveLogic. The application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the jqSearchDestination parameter before incorporating it into SQL queries. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication, any remote attacker with network access can exploit it by sending specially crafted POST requests to the search endpoint.

The lack of input validation allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that the database server will execute with the same privileges as the application's database user. This can lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or in severe cases, complete database compromise.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation and lack of parameterized queries (prepared statements) in the application's search functionality. The jqSearchDestination parameter value is directly concatenated into SQL query strings without sanitization or escaping, allowing attacker-controlled input to modify the structure and behavior of database queries.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP POST requests containing SQL injection payloads in the jqSearchDestination parameter. When the application processes these requests, the injected SQL code is executed against the backend database.

Common attack techniques include UNION-based injection to extract data from other tables, boolean-based blind injection to infer database contents, and time-based blind injection when direct output is not visible. For detailed technical information, see the VulnCheck Advisory on SQL Injection and Exploit-DB #46640.

Detection Methods for CVE-2019-25481

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual or malformed POST requests to search endpoints containing SQL keywords (SELECT, UNION, INSERT, DROP, etc.) in the jqSearchDestination parameter
• Web server logs showing requests with encoded SQL injection patterns such as %27, %22, OR 1=1, or UNION SELECT
• Database query logs revealing abnormal query patterns or syntax errors from injection attempts
• Unexpected database performance issues or unusual query execution times

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block common SQL injection patterns in HTTP request parameters
• Configure database audit logging to capture all queries and flag those containing suspicious patterns
• Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for SQL injection attack patterns
• Monitor application logs for repeated failed requests or error messages indicative of injection attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all HTTP POST requests to search-related endpoints
• Implement real-time alerting for database queries containing suspicious SQL syntax
• Review web server access logs regularly for patterns of malicious activity targeting the jqSearchDestination parameter
• Use database activity monitoring tools to detect data exfiltration attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2019-25481

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply vendor patches for iScripts ReserveLogic as soon as they become available
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection attempts targeting the search endpoint
• Consider temporarily disabling the vulnerable search functionality until a patch can be applied
• Audit database access logs for signs of prior exploitation

Patch Information

Contact iScripts for security updates addressing this SQL injection vulnerability. Review the VulnCheck Advisory for the latest information on available patches and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Deploy a WAF with SQL injection detection rules in front of the application
• Implement input validation at the application layer to filter out SQL metacharacters from the jqSearchDestination parameter
• Use database user accounts with minimal privileges required for application operation to limit impact of successful exploitation
• Consider network segmentation to restrict access to the vulnerable application from untrusted networks

# Example WAF rule for ModSecurity to block SQL injection attempts
SecRule ARGS:jqSearchDestination "@detectSQLi" \
    "id:1001,\
    phase:2,\
    block,\
    log,\
    msg:'SQL Injection attempt detected in jqSearchDestination parameter',\
    logdata:'Matched Data: %{MATCHED_VAR} found within %{MATCHED_VAR_NAME}'"