CVE-2026-25239: Pear Pearweb SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2026-25239 Overview

CVE-2026-25239 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting PEAR pearweb, the framework and distribution system for reusable PHP components. Prior to version 1.33.0, a SQL injection vulnerability exists in the apidoc queue insertion functionality that can allow query manipulation if an attacker can influence the inserted filename value. This vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate database queries, potentially leading to unauthorized data modification or extraction.

Critical Impact

Attackers who can influence the filename parameter in apidoc queue insertion may manipulate SQL queries, potentially compromising database integrity and enabling unauthorized data access or modification.

Affected Products

• PEAR pearweb versions prior to 1.33.0
• Applications utilizing vulnerable pearweb apidoc queue functionality
• Systems with network-accessible pearweb installations

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-03 - CVE CVE-2026-25239 published to NVD
• 2026-02-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-25239

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-89) exists in the apidoc queue insertion functionality of PEAR pearweb. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate SQL queries by injecting malicious content through the filename parameter. When user-controlled input is incorporated into SQL statements without proper sanitization or parameterization, it creates an opportunity for query manipulation. The vulnerability requires network access but can be exploited without authentication or user interaction under certain preconditions, making it a significant security concern for exposed installations.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The apidoc queue insertion functionality fails to adequately sanitize or parameterize the filename value before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classic SQL injection pattern occurs when user-controlled input is concatenated directly into SQL statements rather than using prepared statements with parameterized queries.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote attackers to exploit this vulnerability. An attacker must be able to influence the filename value that gets inserted into the apidoc queue. Once an attacker can control this input, they can inject SQL syntax to modify the intended query behavior. This could potentially allow the attacker to manipulate data, bypass security controls, or extract sensitive information from the database.

The exploitation requires:

1. Network access to the vulnerable pearweb installation
2. The ability to influence the filename parameter used in apidoc queue insertion
3. Knowledge of the underlying database structure for effective exploitation

For detailed technical information about the vulnerability mechanism, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-25239

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual SQL syntax or special characters appearing in apidoc queue filename entries
• Database logs showing malformed or unexpected queries originating from pearweb
• Unexpected data modifications in tables associated with apidoc functionality
• Error logs indicating SQL syntax errors that may indicate injection attempts

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web application logs for requests containing SQL injection patterns targeting apidoc endpoints
• Implement database query logging and analyze for anomalous query structures
• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect common SQL injection payloads
• Use intrusion detection systems with signatures for SQL injection attack patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for database queries executed by the pearweb application
• Set up alerts for SQL syntax errors or unexpected query patterns
• Monitor for unusual data access patterns or bulk data extraction attempts
• Review access logs for suspicious activity targeting apidoc-related endpoints

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-25239

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade PEAR pearweb to version 1.33.0 or later immediately
• Review database logs for any signs of prior exploitation
• Restrict network access to pearweb installations to trusted networks only
• Implement input validation at the application perimeter as a defense-in-depth measure

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been patched in PEAR pearweb version 1.33.0. Organizations should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. The patch information and security advisory are available at the GitHub Security Advisory.

Workarounds

• Implement strict input validation to filter out SQL metacharacters from filename inputs
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection detection rules
• Restrict network access to the pearweb application to trusted IP addresses only
• Consider disabling the apidoc queue functionality if not required until patching is complete

# Example: Restrict network access using firewall rules
# Allow only trusted networks to access pearweb
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP