CVE-2026-18766 Overview
CVE-2026-18766 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting the chetans9 core-php-admin-panel project up to commit 90d07ed5aac5e0f09b6a5828d7bb2eb83010763f. The flaw resides in the /Applications/MAMP/htdocs/core-php-admin-panel-master/customers.php file, where the filter_col argument is passed to a database query without proper sanitization. Remote attackers with low-level privileges can manipulate the parameter to inject arbitrary SQL statements. The exploit has been publicly disclosed. Because the project uses a rolling release model, no fixed version identifiers are available, and the vendor did not respond to disclosure attempts.
Critical Impact
Remote authenticated attackers can inject arbitrary SQL through the filter_col parameter in customers.php, exposing customer records and potentially enabling further compromise of the backend database.
Affected Products
- chetans9 core-php-admin-panel (rolling release)
- Commits up to 90d07ed5aac5e0f09b6a5828d7bb2eb83010763f
- Deployments serving customers.php from the affected codebase
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-04 - CVE-2026-18766 published to NVD
- 2026-08-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-18766
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-74, Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component (Injection). The specific instance is a SQL injection in the customers.php endpoint of the core-php-admin-panel application. The application accepts the filter_col parameter from HTTP requests and incorporates its value into a SQL query without parameterization or sufficient input validation.
An authenticated attacker with low-privilege access can supply crafted input in filter_col to alter the intended query logic. This allows extraction of customer data, modification of records, or execution of additional SQL operations available to the database user. The EPSS score is 0.192% with a percentile of 9.107, indicating limited observed exploitation to date, though public disclosure of the exploit raises the likelihood of opportunistic attacks.
Root Cause
The root cause is the direct concatenation of user-controlled input into a SQL statement. The filter_col parameter appears to be used to designate a column name or filter expression in the query, but the application does not validate it against an allow-list of expected values or bind it as a parameter. This design permits SQL syntax injection at the identifier or clause level.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network against the customers.php endpoint. The attacker requires low-level authentication to the admin panel. Once authenticated, the adversary submits a request that includes a manipulated filter_col value containing SQL syntax. The backend concatenates this into its query, causing the database to execute attacker-supplied logic. Technical details, including proof-of-concept material, are referenced in the GitHub CVE Issue Discussion and VulDB Vulnerability Details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-18766
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to /customers.php containing SQL metacharacters such as ', --, UNION, SELECT, or SLEEP( in the filter_col parameter
- Unexpected database errors or long response times originating from queries against the customers table
- Access log entries showing authenticated sessions issuing sequential, script-like requests to customers.php with varying filter_col values
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that inspect the filter_col query parameter for SQL injection patterns
- Enable database query logging and alert on queries containing anomalous column identifiers or stacked statements originating from the admin panel
- Correlate authenticated admin panel sessions with elevated volumes of requests targeting customers.php
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest web server, PHP application, and database logs into a centralized analytics platform for cross-source correlation
- Baseline normal request patterns for customers.php and alert on deviations in parameter length, character class, or request rate
- Track failed and successful admin panel authentication events to identify credential misuse preceding exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-18766
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to the admin panel using IP allow-lists or VPN gating until a code-level fix is applied
- Rotate admin panel credentials and enforce strong authentication to reduce the pool of accounts capable of exploitation
- Audit recent customers.php request logs for suspicious filter_col values and investigate any matches
Patch Information
No vendor patch is available. The vendor did not respond to disclosure outreach, and the project follows a rolling release with no fixed version identifier. Operators should consider maintaining a private fork with the fix applied. Refer to the VulDB CVE Record for updates.
Workarounds
- Modify customers.php locally to validate filter_col against an allow-list of permitted column names before use in any SQL query
- Replace string concatenation with prepared statements or parameterized queries where the filter value is used as data
- Consider taking the affected endpoint offline or replacing the component with an actively maintained alternative if a code fix cannot be maintained internally
# Example allow-list validation snippet for filter_col in PHP
$allowed_cols = ['id', 'name', 'email', 'created_at'];
if (!in_array($_GET['filter_col'] ?? '', $allowed_cols, true)) {
http_response_code(400);
exit('Invalid filter column');
}
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
