CVE-2026-4190 Overview
A SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in JawherKl node-api-postgres up to version 2.5. This security flaw affects the User.getAll function within the models/user.js file, where improper handling of the sort argument allows attackers to inject malicious SQL queries. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, potentially enabling unauthorized access to database contents, data manipulation, or further system compromise.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or potentially escalate their access within the affected application's database environment.
Affected Products
- JawherKl node-api-postgres versions up to 2.5
- Applications utilizing the vulnerable User.getAll function
- Systems exposing the affected API endpoints to network access
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-16 - CVE-2026-4190 published to NVD
- 2026-03-16 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-4190
Vulnerability Analysis
This SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component) exists due to insufficient input validation in the User.getAll function. When user-supplied data is passed through the sort parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or parameterize the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to break out of the intended query structure and inject arbitrary SQL commands.
The vulnerability is network-exploitable, meaning attackers can target the application remotely through standard HTTP requests. No authentication is required to exploit this flaw, significantly lowering the barrier to attack. An exploit has been made publicly available, increasing the risk of active exploitation in the wild.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the direct concatenation or improper handling of user input within SQL query construction. The sort parameter in the User.getAll function located in models/user.js accepts external input that is not adequately sanitized or escaped before being used in database queries. This classic SQL injection pattern allows attackers to manipulate the query logic by injecting SQL syntax through the sorting parameter.
Attack Vector
The attack is executed remotely via network requests targeting the vulnerable API endpoint. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing SQL injection payloads in the sort parameter. Since the function processes user-controlled input without proper parameterization, the injected SQL code is executed by the database engine with the privileges of the application's database connection.
The attack flow typically involves:
- Identifying the vulnerable endpoint that calls User.getAll
- Crafting a request with SQL injection payload in the sort parameter
- Extracting data through techniques such as UNION-based injection, boolean-based blind injection, or time-based blind injection
- Potential escalation to data modification or privilege escalation within the database
For detailed technical analysis and proof-of-concept information, refer to the HackMD Security Notes and VulDB entry.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-4190
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual database query patterns containing SQL keywords in sorting parameters
- Error messages in application logs indicating SQL syntax errors from malformed injection attempts
- Unexpected database access patterns or data exfiltration activity
- HTTP request logs showing suspicious payloads in API parameters targeting user-related endpoints
Detection Strategies
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect SQL injection patterns in request parameters
- Implement database activity monitoring to identify anomalous query execution
- Enable detailed logging for API endpoints processing user input
- Use runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions to detect and block injection attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor application logs for SQL error messages that may indicate injection attempts
- Track database query performance for unusual patterns that could suggest exploitation
- Set up alerts for failed authentication attempts following data extraction patterns
- Review access logs for repeated requests to endpoints using the User.getAll function
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-4190
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to affected API endpoints until remediation is complete
- Implement input validation and whitelist-based filtering for the sort parameter
- Deploy WAF rules specifically blocking SQL injection attempts in sorting parameters
- Review and audit database permissions to limit potential damage from successful exploitation
Patch Information
The vendor was contacted regarding this vulnerability but did not respond. No official patch is currently available. Organizations using node-api-postgres should implement the workarounds below or consider migrating to an alternative solution with active security maintenance. Monitor the VulDB entry for updates on remediation options.
Workarounds
- Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements for all database operations in models/user.js
- Add server-side input validation to restrict the sort parameter to a whitelist of allowed column names
- Deploy network-level controls to limit access to the affected API endpoints
- Consider implementing a middleware layer to sanitize all incoming request parameters
# Example: Restricting access to the vulnerable endpoint via iptables
# Limit access to only trusted IP addresses until patched
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3000 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3000 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
