Description
ADOdb is a PHP database class library that provides abstractions for performing queries and managing databases. In versions 5.22.9 and below, improper escaping of a query parameter may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL statements when the code using ADOdb connects to a sqlite3 database and calls the metaColumns(), metaForeignKeys() or metaIndexes() methods with a crafted table name. This is fixed in version 5.22.10. To workaround this issue, only pass controlled data to metaColumns(), metaForeignKeys() and metaIndexes() method's $table parameter.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-23567
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-23567 pertains to ADOdb, a PHP database class library, specifically affecting versions 5.22.9 and below. The issue arises from improper escaping of a query parameter, which can lead to SQL injection attacks when using the metaColumns(), metaForeignKeys(), or metaIndexes() methods with a crafted table name while connected to a sqlite3 database.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 10.0 (Critical)
- Base Score Version: CVSS 3.1
- Base Score Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:L
The CVSS score of 10.0 indicates a critical vulnerability due to the following factors:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N)
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L)
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N)
- User Interaction (UI): None (N)
- Scope (S): Changed (C)
- Confidentiality (C): High (H)
- Integrity (I): High (H)
- Availability (A): Low (L)
This vulnerability is highly exploitable and can result in significant impact on the confidentiality and integrity of the affected systems.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- SQL Injection: An attacker can craft a malicious table name that, when passed to the
metaColumns(),metaForeignKeys(), ormetaIndexes()methods, can execute arbitrary SQL statements. - Remote Exploitation: Given the network attack vector, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring any user interaction or special privileges.
Exploitation Methods:
- Crafted Input: An attacker can inject SQL commands by manipulating the table name parameter.
- Automated Tools: Exploitation can be automated using scripts or tools designed to identify and exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- ADOdb versions 5.22.9 and below.
Affected Systems:
- Any system or application that uses ADOdb for database operations, particularly those connected to a sqlite3 database and utilizing the
metaColumns(),metaForeignKeys(), ormetaIndexes()methods.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to ADOdb version 5.22.10 or later, which includes the fix for this vulnerability.
- Input Validation: Ensure that only controlled and validated data is passed to the
metaColumns(),metaForeignKeys(), andmetaIndexes()methods.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Regular Updates: Implement a regular update and patch management process to ensure all software dependencies are up-to-date.
- Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Use Prepared Statements: Where possible, use prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The critical nature of this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations and applications within the European Union that rely on ADOdb for database operations. Given the widespread use of PHP and database abstraction libraries, this vulnerability could affect a broad range of applications, including those in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government services.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Organizations must ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR, which mandates robust security measures to protect personal data.
- Failure to address this vulnerability could result in data breaches, leading to regulatory penalties and loss of trust.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Root Cause: Improper escaping of query parameters in the
metaColumns(),metaForeignKeys(), andmetaIndexes()methods. - Exploitability: High, due to the low complexity and lack of required privileges or user interaction.
Detection and Monitoring:
- Log Analysis: Monitor database logs for unusual or unauthorized SQL queries.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement IDS to detect and alert on suspicious database activities.
- Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application.
References:
Conclusion: This vulnerability underscores the importance of regular updates, thorough input validation, and robust security practices in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of database operations. Organizations must act promptly to mitigate this risk and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.