CVE-2026-42474: MixPHP Framework SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2026-42474 Overview

CVE-2026-42474 is a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] in MixPHP Framework versions 2.x through 2.2.17. The flaw resides in the data function within BuildHelper.php, part of the framework's database helper component. Attackers can supply a crafted data array that is concatenated into SQL statements without proper sanitization. Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated network attackers to manipulate database queries, read sensitive records, or alter stored data. The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can inject arbitrary SQL through the data array parameter, exposing application data managed by MixPHP-based services.

Affected Products

MixPHP Framework 2.x
MixPHP Framework versions through 2.2.17
BuildHelper.php database helper component

Discovery Timeline

2026-05-01 - CVE-2026-42474 published to NVD
2026-05-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-42474

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input passed into SQL statement construction. The data function in BuildHelper.php builds INSERT and UPDATE statements from a caller-supplied associative array. Keys and values from this array are interpolated into the SQL string without parameterized binding or strict whitelist validation. An attacker who controls any portion of the data array can break out of the intended SQL context and append arbitrary clauses.

Because the helper is invoked by higher-level model and query-builder methods, applications that pass user-controlled input into write operations inherit the flaw. Exploitation does not require authentication when the calling endpoint is publicly reachable.

Root Cause

The root cause is direct string concatenation of array keys and values into SQL fragments inside BuildHelper.php. The framework relies on callers to sanitize input rather than enforcing prepared statements at the helper boundary. This violates the secure-by-default principle expected of a database helper.

Attack Vector

Exploitation occurs over the network through any HTTP endpoint that forwards request data into a MixPHP query builder using the affected helper. The attacker submits a crafted data array, typically through JSON or form-encoded request bodies. Injected SQL fragments execute with the privileges of the application database user. See the GitHub Gist Code Snippet and the GitHub Mix BuildHelper Source for technical details on the vulnerable code path.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-42474

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual SQL syntax tokens such as UNION SELECT, --, /*, or backticks appearing in HTTP request bodies targeting MixPHP application endpoints.
Database error messages or stack traces referencing BuildHelper.php in application logs.
Unexpected write operations or schema reads originating from the application database account.

Detection Strategies

Inspect web server and application logs for request payloads containing array keys with embedded SQL meta-characters.
Enable database query logging and review statements generated through BuildHelper::data for anomalous structure.
Deploy a web application firewall ruleset that flags SQL injection patterns in JSON and form fields.

Monitoring Recommendations

Track outbound queries from PHP-FPM workers running MixPHP for sudden spikes in INFORMATION_SCHEMA access.
Alert on authentication failures followed by successful database reads of sensitive tables.
Correlate HTTP 500 responses from MixPHP routes with database error events to surface failed injection attempts.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-42474

Immediate Actions Required

Audit all application routes that pass user-controlled data into MixPHP query builders and validate input against strict allowlists.
Restrict database account privileges so the application user cannot execute schema changes or access unrelated tables.
Deploy WAF signatures targeting SQL injection patterns in data array parameters until a patched release is applied.

Patch Information

No fixed version is identified in the NVD record at the time of publication. Monitor the GitHub Mix PHP Project repository for releases beyond 2.2.17 that address the BuildHelper.php injection path. Apply the upstream fix as soon as it is published and rebuild dependent applications.

Workarounds

Replace direct calls to the affected helper with parameterized PDO statements where feasible.
Wrap calls into the query builder with an input validation layer that rejects non-scalar values and unexpected keys.
Place vulnerable services behind an authenticated gateway to reduce exposure to unauthenticated network attackers.

bash

# Configuration example: restrict database privileges for the MixPHP application user
REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON *.* FROM 'mixapp'@'%';
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON appdb.* TO 'mixapp'@'%';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;