CVE-2026-92406: Inventory and Monitoring System SQL Injection

CVE-2026-92406 Overview

CVE-2026-92406 is a SQL injection vulnerability in SourceCodester Inventory and Monitoring System 1.0. The flaw resides in the /admins/assessments/databank/btn_functions.php script when invoked with the action=add parameter. Attackers can manipulate the difficulty_id argument to inject arbitrary SQL statements into backend database queries. Remote exploitation is possible without authentication or user interaction, and a public exploit has been disclosed. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-74] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component).

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can inject SQL statements through the difficulty_id parameter, potentially exposing or modifying data stored in the application database.

Affected Products

SourceCodester Inventory and Monitoring System 1.0
The /admins/assessments/databank/btn_functions.php endpoint (action=add)
Deployments exposing the affected PHP application to untrusted networks

Discovery Timeline

2026-09-16 - CVE-2026-92406 published to NVD
2026-09-16 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-92406

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists in the administrative databank component of the Inventory and Monitoring System. When the btn_functions.php script processes the add action, it consumes the difficulty_id argument and incorporates the value into a SQL statement without adequate neutralization. An attacker can supply crafted input that alters query semantics, extracts data through UNION-based or boolean techniques, or manipulates records in scope. Because the endpoint is reachable over the network and does not require authentication in the disclosed attack path, exploitation is straightforward with common tooling.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements passed through the difficulty_id parameter [CWE-74]. The application concatenates user-controlled input into a SQL query rather than binding it through parameterized statements or prepared queries. Any single-quote, comment, or operator character supplied by the attacker is interpreted by the database engine as part of the SQL grammar.

Attack Vector

Exploitation occurs over the network by issuing an HTTP request to /admins/assessments/databank/btn_functions.php?action=add with a malicious difficulty_id value. Attackers can use standard SQL injection payloads to enumerate schemas, exfiltrate records, or tamper with the databank contents. A public proof of concept has been published in the GitHub Issue Tracker, lowering the barrier to exploitation. Refer to the VulDB CVE-2026-92406 entry for additional context.

// No verified exploit code is published in the enriched dataset.
// See the referenced GitHub Issue Tracker and VulDB entries for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-92406

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to /admins/assessments/databank/btn_functions.php containing action=add and unusual difficulty_id values (single quotes, UNION, SLEEP, --, /*).
Web server or PHP error logs referencing SQL syntax errors originating from the btn_functions.php handler.
Unexpected read or write activity in the databank tables associated with the assessments module.

Detection Strategies

Deploy web application firewall rules that flag SQL metacharacters in the difficulty_id parameter of the affected URL path.
Enable database query logging and alert on parameterized statements originating from the assessments component that include tautologies or stacked queries.
Correlate application access logs with database anomalies to identify injection attempts that bypass edge filtering.

Monitoring Recommendations

Continuously monitor the /admins/ path tree for unauthenticated requests and abnormal parameter fuzzing patterns.
Track outbound traffic from the web server for potential data exfiltration following successful injection.
Retain HTTP access, error, and database audit logs for at least 90 days to support post-incident investigation.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-92406

Immediate Actions Required

Restrict network access to the /admins/ interface to trusted administrative networks or VPN clients until a fix is applied.
Audit the btn_functions.php handler and replace inline SQL concatenation with parameterized queries or prepared statements.
Review databank tables for signs of tampering or unauthorized inserts made through the add action.

Patch Information

At the time of publication no vendor patch is listed in the CVE record. Consult the SourceCodester Security Resources portal for updates and monitor the VulDB Vulnerability #405556 entry for remediation guidance. Until a fix is released, apply the workarounds below.

Workarounds

Implement server-side input validation that enforces a strict numeric type on the difficulty_id parameter and rejects any non-integer input.
Add a web application firewall rule that blocks SQL metacharacters targeting btn_functions.php?action=add.
Operate the database account used by the application with the minimum privileges required, preventing schema changes or reads outside the assessments module.

bash

# Example WAF rule (ModSecurity syntax) to block SQLi on the vulnerable endpoint
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains /admins/assessments/databank/btn_functions.php" \
    "phase:2,chain,deny,status:403,id:1092406,msg:'CVE-2026-92406 SQLi attempt'"
    SecRule ARGS:difficulty_id "@rx [^0-9]" "t:none"