CVE-2025-56407: Utcms_project Utcms SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2025-56407 Overview

CVE-2025-56407 is a SQL injection vulnerability in HuangDou UTCMS V9. The flaw resides in the RunSql function within app/modules/ut-data/admin/mysql.php. Attackers can manipulate the sql argument to inject arbitrary SQL statements against the backend database. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable and requires only low-privileged authentication. Public disclosure of the exploit increases the likelihood of opportunistic attacks against exposed UTCMS deployments. The weakness is classified under [CWE-89] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.

Critical Impact
Authenticated remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries, leading to full compromise of database confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

HuangDou UTCMS V9.0
utcms_project:utcms version 9.0
Deployments exposing the ut-data admin module

Discovery Timeline

2025-09-10 - CVE-2025-56407 published to NVD
2025-10-06 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-56407

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists in the administrative MySQL handler shipped with UTCMS V9. The RunSql function in app/modules/ut-data/admin/mysql.php accepts a sql parameter from the request and passes it to the database execution layer without proper sanitization or parameterization. Because the function is designed to execute SQL directly, any attacker reaching the endpoint with a valid low-privilege session can run arbitrary queries. This includes reading sensitive tables, modifying records, escalating privileges within the application, and in some configurations writing files through MySQL primitives such as INTO OUTFILE.

The issue is reachable over the network and requires no user interaction. The attack scope remains within the database context, but UTCMS stores authentication material, content, and configuration in the same database, making impact comprehensive across confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Root Cause

The root cause is the direct execution of user-supplied input as a SQL statement. The RunSql function trusts the sql argument and does not validate it against an allowlist, parameterize it, or restrict it to predefined statements. Combined with insufficient access control on the admin endpoint, the design permits SQL injection by any authenticated user who can reach the module.

Attack Vector

An authenticated attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to the UTCMS admin endpoint backed by app/modules/ut-data/admin/mysql.php, supplying a malicious payload in the sql parameter. The injected statement executes with the privileges of the UTCMS database user. Public proof-of-concept details are available in the referenced GitHub Issue #4 and the GitHub Blog Post.

No verified exploit code is reproduced here. Refer to the linked references for technical write-ups of the request structure and payload behavior.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-56407

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP POST requests to UTCMS admin paths referencing ut-data and mysql.php containing SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, SLEEP, INTO OUTFILE, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA in the sql parameter
Database query logs showing statements originating from the UTCMS application user that fall outside normal CMS query patterns
Unexpected creation, modification, or export of administrator accounts in UTCMS tables
Web server access logs showing repeated requests to the RunSql handler from a single source

Detection Strategies

Inspect web access logs for requests to app/modules/ut-data/admin/mysql.php and alert on any non-administrative source addresses
Enable MySQL general query logging and flag queries that include schema enumeration or file-write functions originating from the CMS service account
Deploy a web application firewall ruleset that blocks SQL metacharacters in the sql request parameter

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward web server, application, and database logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation
Baseline normal admin module usage and alert on deviations in request volume or payload size
Monitor outbound network traffic from the UTCMS host for signs of data exfiltration following admin module access

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-56407

Immediate Actions Required

Restrict network access to the UTCMS administration interface to trusted management addresses only
Rotate all UTCMS administrator credentials and database account passwords used by the application
Audit the UTCMS database for unauthorized accounts, content changes, or exported data since the vulnerability publication date
Place a web application firewall in front of UTCMS and block requests containing SQL syntax in the sql parameter

Patch Information

No vendor patch is referenced in the NVD entry at the time of publication. Monitor the HuangDou UTCMS project channels and the referenced GitHub Issue #4 for fix availability. Until an official update is released, treat all UTCMS V9.0 deployments as vulnerable.

Workarounds

Disable the ut-data admin module if it is not required for site operation
Apply database-level least privilege by restricting the UTCMS MySQL account from FILE, CREATE USER, and other high-impact privileges
Enforce strong authentication and IP allowlisting on the administrative panel to reduce exposure to low-privileged attackers

bash

# Example MySQL privilege hardening for the UTCMS application user
REVOKE FILE, CREATE USER, SUPER ON *.* FROM 'utcms_app'@'%';
REVOKE GRANT OPTION ON utcms.* FROM 'utcms_app'@'%';
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON utcms.* TO 'utcms_app'@'%';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;