CVE-2026-4504: DB-GPT SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2026-4504 Overview

A SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in eosphoros-ai DB-GPT versions up to and including 0.7.5. This security flaw affects the /api/v1/editor/ endpoint and represents an incomplete fix for a previously reported vulnerability. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate SQL queries through crafted input, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying database.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability without authentication to read, modify, or delete database contents, potentially leading to full database compromise.

Affected Products

• eosphoros-ai DB-GPT up to version 0.7.5
• DB-GPT Editor API component (/api/v1/editor/)
• Systems running vulnerable DB-GPT instances exposed to network access

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-20 - CVE-2026-4504 published to NVD
• 2026-03-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-4504

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component), commonly manifesting as injection attacks. The flaw exists within the Editor API component of DB-GPT, specifically in the /api/v1/editor/ endpoint. The vulnerability stems from an incomplete fix for a previous security issue, indicating that user-supplied input is still not being properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries.

DB-GPT is an open-source AI-native data application development framework that integrates large language models with databases. The Editor API endpoint likely handles database schema operations, code editing, or query execution functionality, making it a high-value target for SQL injection attacks.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation and sanitization in the Editor API endpoint. The original fix for a related vulnerability was incomplete, leaving residual attack surface that allows specially crafted input to bypass the implemented security controls. User-supplied data passed to the /api/v1/editor/ endpoint is improperly neutralized before being used in SQL query construction, enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL statements.

Attack Vector

The attack can be initiated remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. An attacker can send specially crafted HTTP requests to the /api/v1/editor/ endpoint containing malicious SQL payloads. These payloads may include SQL commands designed to:

• Extract sensitive data from the database
• Modify or delete existing records
• Bypass authentication mechanisms
• Execute administrative operations on the database

The vulnerability is accessible through the network-facing API, making any internet-exposed DB-GPT instance potentially vulnerable. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, and technical details are available through the Huntr Bounty Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-4504

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual or malformed HTTP requests targeting the /api/v1/editor/ endpoint
• SQL syntax patterns in HTTP request parameters or body content (e.g., UNION SELECT, OR 1=1, comment sequences like -- or /*)
• Unexpected database query errors or timeouts in application logs
• Anomalous database access patterns or unauthorized data extraction

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns in requests to the Editor API
• Configure application logging to capture all requests to /api/v1/editor/ with full parameter details
• Deploy runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions to detect SQL injection attempts at the application layer
• Monitor database query logs for unusual patterns or unauthorized query execution

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all API endpoints, particularly /api/v1/editor/
• Set up alerts for high volumes of error responses from the Editor API
• Monitor database audit logs for unexpected query patterns or privilege escalation attempts
• Implement network traffic analysis to detect potential data exfiltration following successful exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-4504

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the DB-GPT Editor API endpoint (/api/v1/editor/) using firewall rules or network segmentation
• Place a Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of exposed DB-GPT instances with SQL injection detection rules enabled
• Review application logs for signs of prior exploitation attempts
• Consider temporarily disabling the Editor API functionality if not essential for operations

Patch Information

At the time of publication, the vendor (eosphoros-ai) was contacted regarding this vulnerability but did not respond. Organizations should monitor the DB-GPT project for updates and security patches. Until an official fix is released, implement the recommended workarounds below.

For additional technical details and vulnerability tracking, refer to:

• Huntr Bounty Report
• VulDB Entry #352070

Workarounds

• Implement input validation and parameterized queries at the application layer if custom modifications are possible
• Deploy a reverse proxy with request filtering to sanitize input before it reaches the DB-GPT application
• Restrict database user permissions for the DB-GPT application to the minimum required privileges
• Isolate the DB-GPT instance in a network segment with limited access to sensitive resources

# Example: Restrict access to Editor API using iptables
# Allow access only from trusted IP addresses

# Block all external access to DB-GPT Editor API port
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 5670 -j DROP

# Allow access only from specific trusted IP
iptables -I INPUT -p tcp --dport 5670 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT

# Alternatively, use nginx to block the vulnerable endpoint
# Add to nginx configuration:
# location /api/v1/editor/ {
#     deny all;
#     return 403;
# }