CVE-2026-18719 Overview
CVE-2026-18719 is a SQL injection vulnerability in cemtan sar2html version 4.0.0. The flaw resides in the sar2html.py file within the Search component. Attackers can manipulate the Search argument to inject arbitrary SQL statements against the backend database. The attack is remotely exploitable and requires low privileges without user interaction. Exploit details are public, though the vendor did not respond to the coordinated disclosure attempt. The weakness is classified under [CWE-74] as improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component.
Critical Impact
Authenticated remote attackers can inject SQL through the Search parameter in sar2html.py, exposing limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying database.
Affected Products
- cemtan sar2html 4.0.0
- Component: Search functionality in sar2html.py
- Deployments exposing the Search interface over the network
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-04 - CVE-2026-18719 published to NVD
- 2026-08-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-18719
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability affects the Search component of cemtan sar2html 4.0.0. The sar2html.py script processes a user-controlled Search argument without properly neutralizing SQL metacharacters. Attackers submit crafted input that alters the structure of the resulting SQL query executed against the backend datastore.
Exploitation requires network access and an authenticated session with low-privilege credentials. No user interaction is needed to trigger the flaw. Successful injection yields limited read and write access to database contents, along with potential impact to service availability. Public exploit information exists, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic attacks against exposed instances.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in a downstream component [CWE-74]. The Search parameter is concatenated into SQL statements without parameterization or input sanitization. Any string containing SQL syntax characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or comment sequences can break out of the intended query context.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to the Search endpoint served by sar2html.py. The malicious payload embeds SQL clauses through the Search argument. The backend executes the modified query, returning attacker-controlled data or performing unauthorized operations. Because the attack traverses the network and requires only low privileges, exposed instances behind authentication portals remain reachable to any legitimate user or compromised account.
No verified proof-of-concept code has been published in structured form. Refer to the VulDB entry for CVE-2026-18719 for available technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-18719
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to sar2html.py containing SQL syntax in the Search parameter such as UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, or comment sequences (--, /*)
- Unexpected database errors or verbose SQL error messages returned in HTTP responses from the Search endpoint
- Unusual query patterns or high-volume Search requests originating from a single authenticated session
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that inspect the Search parameter for SQL injection signatures
- Enable database query logging and alert on queries containing tautologies, UNION statements, or stacked queries originating from the sar2html service account
- Correlate authentication logs with Search endpoint access to identify accounts exhibiting injection probing behavior
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor outbound data volumes from the sar2html host for signs of database exfiltration
- Track error rates and response codes on the Search endpoint to detect fuzzing activity
- Review authenticated session activity for repeated malformed requests to sar2html.py
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-18719
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to sar2html 4.0.0 instances to trusted management networks only
- Disable the Search component or the sar2html.py endpoint if it is not required for operations
- Rotate database credentials used by the sar2html service and enforce least-privilege database roles
Patch Information
No vendor patch is available. The vendor was contacted about this disclosure but did not respond, according to the VulDB advisory. Organizations should assume no fix will be released and plan for compensating controls or migration to an alternative reporting tool.
Workarounds
- Place sar2html behind a reverse proxy with a web application firewall enforcing strict input validation on the Search parameter
- Enforce read-only database permissions for the sar2html service account to limit write-side impact of successful injection
- Remove authenticated user accounts that do not require access to the Search functionality
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
