Description
Neuron is a PHP framework for creating and orchestrating AI Agents. In versions 2.8.11 and below, the MySQLWriteTool executes arbitrary SQL provided by the caller using PDO::prepare() + execute() without semantic restrictions. This is consistent with the name (“write tool”), but in an LLM/agent context it becomes a high-risk capability: prompt injection or indirect prompt manipulation can cause execution of destructive queries such as DROP TABLE, TRUNCATE, DELETE, ALTER, or privilege-related statements (subject to DB permissions). Deployments that expose an agent with MySQLWriteTool enabled to untrusted input and/or run the tool with a DB user that has broad privileges are impacted. This issue is fixed in version 2.8.12.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-202170
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description: The vulnerability affects the Neuron PHP framework, specifically the MySQLWriteTool component in versions 2.8.11 and below. The issue arises from the tool's ability to execute arbitrary SQL queries provided by the caller using PDO::prepare() + execute() without semantic restrictions. This can lead to prompt injection or indirect prompt manipulation, resulting in the execution of destructive SQL queries such as DROP TABLE, TRUNCATE, DELETE, ALTER, or privilege-related statements.
Severity Evaluation: The vulnerability has a base score of 9.4 according to CVSS 3.1, indicating a critical severity level. The scoring vector is:
- AV:N (Attack Vector: Network)
- AC:L (Attack Complexity: Low)
- PR:N (Privileges Required: None)
- UI:N (User Interaction: None)
- S:U (Scope: Unchanged)
- C:L (Confidentiality: Low)
- I:H (Integrity: High)
- A:H (Availability: High)
This high score reflects the potential for significant impact on data integrity and availability, with low complexity required for exploitation.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Prompt Injection: An attacker can inject malicious SQL commands through untrusted input fields.
- Indirect Prompt Manipulation: An attacker can manipulate the input to indirectly cause the execution of harmful SQL queries.
Exploitation Methods:
- SQL Injection: By crafting specific input, an attacker can execute arbitrary SQL commands, leading to data manipulation, deletion, or privilege escalation.
- Privilege Escalation: If the MySQLWriteTool runs with a DB user that has broad privileges, an attacker can execute privilege-related statements to gain higher access levels.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Systems running the Neuron PHP framework with the MySQLWriteTool component enabled.
- Deployments that expose an agent with MySQLWriteTool to untrusted input.
Affected Software Versions:
- Neuron PHP framework versions 2.8.11 and below.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to Neuron PHP framework version 2.8.12 or later, where the issue is fixed.
- Input Validation: Implement strict input validation and sanitization to prevent SQL injection.
- Least Privilege: Ensure that the MySQLWriteTool runs with the least privileges necessary to minimize potential damage.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Security Training: Provide security training for developers to understand and avoid common vulnerabilities like SQL injection.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Regulatory Compliance:
- Organizations must ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations to protect personal data.
- Failure to address this vulnerability could result in data breaches, leading to regulatory fines and reputational damage.
Cybersecurity Posture:
- The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular updates.
- European organizations should prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect against such high-risk vulnerabilities.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- The MySQLWriteTool uses PDO::prepare() + execute() without semantic restrictions, allowing arbitrary SQL execution.
- The vulnerability is consistent with the tool's name ("write tool"), but in an LLM/agent context, it becomes a high-risk capability.
Exploitation Example:
$pdo = new PDO('mysql:host=localhost;dbname=testdb', 'username', 'password');
$stmt = $pdo->prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = :id");
$stmt->execute(['id' => "1; DROP TABLE users"]); // Malicious input
Mitigation Code Example:
$pdo = new PDO('mysql:host=localhost;dbname=testdb', 'username', 'password');
$stmt = $pdo->prepare("SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = :id");
$stmt->execute(['id' => intval($id)]); // Sanitized input
References:
- GitHub Security Advisory
- Neuron AI GitHub Repository
- Commit Fixing the Issue
- Release Notes for Version 2.8.12
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure the integrity and availability of their systems.