CVE-2019-25692: Marmotech Kados SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2019-25692 Overview

Kados R10 GreenBee contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the id_to_modify parameter. Attackers can send crafted requests with malicious SQL statements in the id_to_modify field to extract sensitive database information or modify data. This vulnerability exposes organizations using Marmotech Kados to significant data breach risks.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this SQL injection flaw to extract sensitive database contents, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate to further system compromise.

Affected Products

• Marmotech Kados R10 GreenBee

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-05 - CVE CVE-2019-25692 published to NVD
• 2026-04-07 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2019-25692

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL injection vulnerability affects the Marmotech Kados R10 GreenBee application. The flaw exists in how the application handles the id_to_modify parameter, which is processed without proper input sanitization before being incorporated into SQL queries. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL syntax that the database engine interprets and executes as legitimate commands.

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation enables attackers to access sensitive information stored in the database with high confidentiality impact, and potentially modify database records.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation (CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). The application fails to properly sanitize or parameterize user-supplied input in the id_to_modify parameter before incorporating it into SQL queries. Without proper escaping or the use of prepared statements, special SQL characters and keywords in user input are interpreted as part of the query structure rather than as literal data values.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2019-25692 is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted HTTP requests containing malicious SQL statements within the id_to_modify parameter. The malicious input manipulates the backend SQL query logic, allowing the attacker to:

1. Extract sensitive data from database tables using UNION-based or error-based injection techniques
2. Modify existing database records by injecting UPDATE statements
3. Enumerate database schema, table names, and column structures
4. Potentially bypass authentication mechanisms if user credentials are stored in the database

The vulnerability mechanism involves unsanitized user input being directly concatenated into SQL queries. When a malicious payload is submitted in the id_to_modify field, the database interprets the injected SQL syntax as legitimate commands. Technical details and a proof-of-concept are available in the Exploit-DB #46505 advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2019-25692

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual SQL error messages in application logs indicating injection attempts
• HTTP requests containing SQL keywords (UNION, SELECT, DROP, INSERT) in the id_to_modify parameter
• Unexpected database query patterns or high volumes of database reads from web application contexts
• Evidence of data exfiltration or unauthorized database modifications

Detection Strategies

• Configure Web Application Firewalls (WAF) to detect and block SQL injection patterns in the id_to_modify parameter
• Implement database activity monitoring to identify anomalous queries targeting the affected application
• Deploy intrusion detection signatures looking for common SQL injection payloads in HTTP traffic
• Review web server access logs for requests with suspicious characters or SQL keywords in query parameters

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging on the database server to capture all queries executed by the Kados application
• Set up alerts for SQL syntax errors that may indicate injection probing attempts
• Monitor for unauthorized access to sensitive database tables containing user credentials or business data
• Implement real-time monitoring of the id_to_modify parameter for malicious patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2019-25692

Immediate Actions Required

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with SQL injection protection rules in front of the Kados application
• Restrict network access to the Kados application to only trusted IP ranges
• Review database logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts
• Consider taking the affected application offline until patches or workarounds can be implemented

Patch Information

Organizations should review the SourceForge Project Kados page and the Kados Official Website for any available security updates or patches addressing this vulnerability. Consult the VulnCheck Advisory for additional technical guidance and remediation information.

Workarounds

• Implement input validation at the application layer to reject requests containing SQL metacharacters in the id_to_modify parameter
• Use a reverse proxy or WAF to filter and sanitize incoming requests before they reach the application
• Apply principle of least privilege to database accounts used by the application to limit potential damage from exploitation
• If source code access is available, update the application to use parameterized queries or prepared statements for all database operations

# Example WAF rule to block SQL injection in id_to_modify parameter
# ModSecurity rule configuration
SecRule ARGS:id_to_modify "@detectSQLi" \
    "id:1001,\
    phase:2,\
    deny,\
    log,\
    msg:'SQL Injection attempt detected in id_to_modify parameter',\
    severity:CRITICAL"