CVE-2026-2663: Alixhan xh-admin-backend SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2026-2663 Overview

A SQL Injection vulnerability has been identified in Alixhan xh-admin-backend up to version 1.7.0. This issue affects the Database Query Handler component, specifically within the file /frontend-api/system-service/api/system/role/query. The vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the prop argument, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands. The attack can be launched remotely over the network, and exploit details have been publicly disclosed. The vendor was contacted about this disclosure but did not respond.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers with low privileges can exploit this SQL Injection vulnerability to access, modify, or delete database contents, potentially compromising sensitive system data and application integrity.

Affected Products

Alixhan xh-admin-backend versions up to 1.7.0

Discovery Timeline

2026-02-18 - CVE CVE-2026-2663 published to NVD
2026-02-19 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-2663

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability in Alixhan xh-admin-backend allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the prop argument in the role query endpoint. The vulnerability exists in the Database Query Handler component at /frontend-api/system-service/api/system/role/query. The flaw enables authenticated attackers with low-level privileges to inject arbitrary SQL statements, which could lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion within the backend database.

The weakness is classified under CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component), indicating that user-controlled input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. This type of injection vulnerability typically arises from direct string concatenation of user input into SQL statements rather than using parameterized queries or prepared statements.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation and sanitization in the Database Query Handler. The prop argument accepts user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into database queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This allows specially crafted input containing SQL syntax to alter the intended query logic, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring authenticated access with low privileges. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious HTTP requests to the /frontend-api/system-service/api/system/role/query endpoint with crafted SQL injection payloads in the prop parameter. The exploitation does not require user interaction and can be performed remotely.

The vulnerability manifests in the role query functionality where the prop argument is processed by the Database Query Handler. When malicious SQL syntax is injected through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input, allowing the injected SQL to be executed against the database. For detailed technical analysis, see the VulDB CTI entry.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-2663

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual or malformed HTTP requests to /frontend-api/system-service/api/system/role/query containing SQL syntax characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or SQL keywords
Database query logs showing unexpected or malformed SQL statements originating from the role query endpoint
Abnormal database error messages in application logs indicating SQL syntax errors
Unexpected data access patterns or unauthorized data retrieval in database audit logs

Detection Strategies

Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns in requests to the affected endpoint
Monitor application logs for error messages related to SQL syntax errors or database query failures
Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for SQL injection attack patterns targeting the /frontend-api/system-service/api/system/role/query endpoint
Review database query logs for anomalous queries containing SQL injection indicators

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed logging for all requests to the Database Query Handler component
Configure alerting for repeated SQL syntax errors or database exceptions from the role query endpoint
Implement real-time monitoring of database query patterns to detect injection attempts
Set up anomaly detection for unusual data access volumes or patterns associated with the affected endpoint

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-2663

Immediate Actions Required

Restrict network access to the /frontend-api/system-service/api/system/role/query endpoint to trusted internal networks only
Implement input validation at the application or WAF level to reject requests containing SQL injection patterns in the prop parameter
Review and audit user accounts with access to the affected endpoint, applying principle of least privilege
Monitor systems for signs of exploitation while awaiting a vendor patch

Patch Information

No official patch information is available at this time. The vendor (Alixhan) was contacted about this disclosure but did not respond. Organizations using xh-admin-backend should monitor for security updates and consider implementing compensating controls until a patch is released.

For additional vulnerability details, refer to:

Workarounds

Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements at the application code level if source code access is available
Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SQL injection detection rules to filter malicious requests before they reach the application
Restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint using network-level controls such as firewall rules or VPN requirements
Apply database-level restrictions to limit the permissions of the application database account, reducing potential impact of successful exploitation

bash

# Example WAF rule configuration (generic)
# Block requests containing SQL injection patterns in the prop parameter
# Adjust according to your specific WAF vendor syntax

# ModSecurity example rule
SecRule ARGS:prop "@detectSQLi" \
    "id:100001,\
    phase:2,\
    deny,\
    status:403,\
    log,\
    msg:'SQL Injection attempt detected in prop parameter'"