CVE-2025-54790 Overview
CVE-2025-54790 is a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] affecting the HumHub Files module, a component for managing files inside spaces and user profiles within the HumHub social collaboration platform. Versions 0.16.9 and below lack logic to prevent exploitation of backend SQL queries that do not produce direct output. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized data access against the underlying database. The vendor addressed the issue in version 0.16.10.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated network attackers can execute blind SQL injection against HumHub Files installations, exposing confidential data stored in the application database.
Affected Products
- HumHub Files (cfiles) module versions 0.16.9 and below
- HumHub deployments using the Files module for space and profile file management
- Fixed release: HumHub Files 0.16.10
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-02 - CVE-2025-54790 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-54790
Vulnerability Analysis
The HumHub Files module constructs backend SQL queries using untrusted input without applying parameterization or sanitization. Because the affected queries do not return data directly to the response, standard input validation checks failed to detect the injection point. Attackers exploit this pattern using blind SQL injection techniques such as boolean-based inference or time-based delays. The result is unauthorized read access to database content that the requester is not authorized to view.
The attack requires no authentication and no user interaction, and it is delivered over the network against the web-facing HumHub instance. Confidentiality impact is high because arbitrary database records can be inferred, while integrity and availability are not directly affected by the reported flaw.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. Query builders inside the cfiles module concatenate attacker-controllable parameters into SQL statements executed on the backend. The module previously relied on the assumption that queries without direct output could not be abused, so it omitted the guards needed to block blind injection.
Attack Vector
An unauthenticated remote attacker sends crafted HTTP requests to Files module endpoints. The malicious payload is embedded in request parameters that flow into the vulnerable SQL query. By observing response timing or conditional application behavior, the attacker extracts data one bit at a time from tables accessible to the HumHub database user, including user records and space content metadata.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is currently available, and the vulnerability is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-54790
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to HumHub Files module endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, UNION, SLEEP(, BENCHMARK(, or conditional CASE WHEN expressions in query parameters.
- Repeated requests to the same Files endpoint with incrementally changing parameter values, consistent with boolean or time-based blind extraction.
- Unusually long response times from Files module endpoints, indicating time-based SQL injection payload execution.
- Database error entries in HumHub logs referencing malformed SQL originating from cfiles controllers.
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall signatures for SQL injection targeting HumHub Files routes and alert on matches.
- Enable database query logging on the HumHub backend and hunt for anomalous statements originating from the cfiles module.
- Correlate web server access logs with database slow-query logs to identify inference-style attack patterns.
- Monitor authentication and file access telemetry for suspicious data reads that follow crafted requests to the Files module.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track the installed version of the HumHub Files module across all instances and alert when versions at or below 0.16.9 are detected.
- Baseline normal request volume and parameter shape for Files endpoints, then alert on statistical deviations.
- Forward web and database logs to a centralized analytics platform for cross-source correlation and long-term retention.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-54790
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade the HumHub Files (cfiles) module to version 0.16.10 or later on every HumHub instance.
- Inventory HumHub deployments and confirm the module version reported by the HumHub admin panel.
- Review web server and database logs since 2025-08-02 for evidence of exploitation attempts against Files endpoints.
- Rotate credentials and session tokens for any accounts whose data may have been exposed during the exposure window.
Patch Information
The vendor released the fix in HumHub Files 0.16.10. Refer to the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-rfvq-g9rm-pgqj, the GitHub Pull Request #252, and the GitHub Release v0.16.10 for technical details and upgrade artifacts.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to the HumHub instance using an IP allowlist or VPN until the module is upgraded.
- Place a web application firewall in front of HumHub with SQL injection rules enabled for all Files module routes.
- Reduce database privileges granted to the HumHub application user so that a successful injection yields the minimum possible data.
# Configuration example: verify and upgrade the HumHub Files module
cd /path/to/humhub/protected/modules/cfiles
git fetch --tags
git checkout v0.16.10
php /path/to/humhub/protected/yii migrate/up --includeModuleMigrations=1
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
