CVE-2025-12248 Overview
A SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in CLTPHP 3.0, affecting the search functionality within the application. The vulnerability exists in an unknown function of the file /home/search.html, where improper handling of the keyword argument allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands. This flaw can be exploited remotely without authentication, potentially enabling unauthorized access to database contents, data manipulation, or further system compromise.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to extract sensitive database information, modify data, or potentially execute administrative operations on the underlying database server.
Affected Products
- CLTPHP 3.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-10-27 - CVE-2025-12248 published to NVD
- 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-12248
Vulnerability Analysis
This SQL injection vulnerability (classified under CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component) occurs when user-controlled input via the keyword parameter is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. The vulnerability is accessible over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, making it relatively easy to exploit. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation attempts.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization within the search functionality of CLTPHP 3.0. The keyword argument passed to /home/search.html is not properly escaped or parameterized before being used in database queries, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL syntax that gets executed by the database engine.
Attack Vector
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the /home/search.html endpoint with malicious SQL payloads in the keyword parameter. Since the attack requires no authentication or user interaction, any internet-facing CLTPHP 3.0 installation is potentially vulnerable to exploitation.
The SQL injection occurs when the application constructs database queries using the unsanitized keyword parameter. By injecting SQL metacharacters and additional query fragments, an attacker can manipulate the query logic to extract data, bypass authentication, or potentially execute administrative database commands. For technical details and proof-of-concept information, refer to the GitHub Issue Discussion.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-12248
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to /home/search.html containing SQL metacharacters (single quotes, double dashes, UNION keywords, etc.) in the keyword parameter
- Unusual database query patterns or error messages in application logs
- Unexpected data access patterns or database enumeration attempts
- Web application firewall alerts for SQL injection signatures targeting search functionality
Detection Strategies
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests
- Monitor application and database logs for suspicious query patterns, errors, or unauthorized data access
- Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for common SQL injection attack patterns
- Conduct regular security scanning of CLTPHP installations to identify vulnerable endpoints
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed logging for the /home/search.html endpoint and related database queries
- Set up alerts for failed or malformed SQL queries originating from the search functionality
- Monitor for unusual outbound data transfers that may indicate data exfiltration following successful exploitation
- Review access logs for repeated requests to the search endpoint with varying payloads
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-12248
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the /home/search.html endpoint until a patch is available or input validation is implemented
- Implement a web application firewall (WAF) with SQL injection protection rules
- Review and audit the search functionality code for proper input sanitization
- Consider disabling the search feature temporarily if it is not critical to operations
Patch Information
No official vendor patch information is currently available. Monitor the VulDB entry #329919 and official CLTPHP channels for security updates. Organizations should prioritize implementing workarounds and monitoring until an official fix is released.
Workarounds
- Deploy a WAF rule to filter SQL injection patterns in requests to /home/search.html
- Implement server-side input validation to whitelist allowed characters in the keyword parameter
- Use prepared statements or parameterized queries if modifying the application code is possible
- Restrict network access to the vulnerable endpoint using firewall rules or access control lists
# Example WAF rule for Apache ModSecurity
SecRule ARGS:keyword "@detectSQLi" \
"id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'SQL Injection Attempt Blocked'"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
