CVE-2026-4839 Overview
A SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in SourceCodester Food Ordering System version 1.0. This vulnerability exists in the /purchase.php file within the Parameter Handler component. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the custom parameter to perform SQL injection attacks, potentially compromising database integrity and confidentiality.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying system through the publicly accessible purchase functionality.
Affected Products
- SourceCodester Food Ordering System 1.0
- Applications using the affected /purchase.php component
- Systems with exposed Parameter Handler functionality
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-26 - CVE-2026-4839 published to NVD
- 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-4839
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component), which encompasses injection vulnerabilities. The SQL injection occurs when user-supplied input through the custom parameter is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries within the /purchase.php file.
The attack can be initiated remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible deployments. The exploit has been disclosed publicly, increasing the risk of exploitation by malicious actors. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read, modify, or delete database contents, depending on the database permissions configured for the application.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization in the Parameter Handler component. When processing the custom parameter in /purchase.php, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user input before including it in SQL queries. This allows specially crafted input containing SQL syntax to be interpreted as part of the database query rather than as literal data.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests targeting the /purchase.php endpoint with a manipulated custom parameter containing SQL injection payloads. Since no authentication is required, any remote attacker with network access to the application can attempt exploitation.
The attack flow typically involves:
- Identifying the vulnerable endpoint at /purchase.php
- Crafting a request with SQL injection payload in the custom parameter
- Submitting the malicious request to extract data or manipulate the database
- Leveraging retrieved information for further attacks or data exfiltration
Technical details and proof-of-concept information are available in the GitHub CVE Documentation and VulDB entry.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-4839
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual database queries or errors in application logs from /purchase.php
- Requests to /purchase.php containing SQL syntax characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or UNION statements in the custom parameter
- Database access patterns indicating extraction of multiple records or unauthorized table access
- Error messages revealing database structure or query information in HTTP responses
Detection Strategies
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect SQL injection patterns in the custom parameter
- Monitor HTTP request logs for anomalous patterns in requests to /purchase.php
- Enable database query logging to identify unusual or unauthorized SQL statements
- Deploy intrusion detection systems with signatures for common SQL injection attack patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure alerts for SQL error messages in application logs associated with the purchase functionality
- Monitor database audit logs for unauthorized data access or modification attempts
- Track failed authentication attempts and database connection anomalies
- Implement real-time monitoring of web server access logs for suspicious parameter values
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-4839
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to /purchase.php until a patch is applied or input validation is implemented
- Deploy Web Application Firewall rules to filter SQL injection payloads targeting the custom parameter
- Review and limit database user permissions to minimize potential impact of successful exploitation
- Enable detailed logging for the affected endpoint to monitor for exploitation attempts
Patch Information
As of the last update on 2026-03-26, no official vendor patch has been released for this vulnerability. Organizations using SourceCodester Food Ordering System should monitor the SourceCodester website for security updates and patch releases. In the interim, implementing the workarounds below is strongly recommended.
Additional vulnerability information and tracking can be found at:
Workarounds
- Implement prepared statements or parameterized queries in the /purchase.php file to properly handle the custom parameter
- Add input validation to reject or sanitize special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks
- Deploy a reverse proxy or WAF in front of the application with SQL injection protection enabled
- Consider disabling or restricting access to the vulnerable functionality until a permanent fix is available
# Example .htaccess configuration to restrict access to vulnerable endpoint
<Files "purchase.php">
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
# Allow only trusted IP addresses
Allow from 192.168.1.0/24
</Files>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
