CVE-2019-25732: SQL Injection in PHP EI-Tube Script 3 Search Parameter

Technical summary

This vulnerability is a classic SQL injection flaw (CWE-89) in PHP EI-Tube Script 3. The search endpoint fails to properly sanitize or parameterize user input from the GET request parameter, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary SQL syntax. The vulnerability is network-accessible, requires no special privileges or user interaction, and directly impacts confidentiality and marginally impacts integrity. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.2 (HIGH) reflects the ease of exploitation and the sensitivity of data at risk.

Business impact

Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of user credentials, application version information, and potentially other sensitive database records. An attacker gaining this information could pivot to further compromise the application, launch credential-stuffing attacks, or perform social engineering. For organizations relying on PHP EI-Tube Script 3, this represents a direct path to data breach and regulatory compliance violations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS depending on data handled).

Affected systems

PHP EI-Tube Script 3 installations are affected. The vulnerability is unauthenticated and network-reachable, meaning any instance exposed to an attacker's network can be targeted. This includes on-premises deployments, cloud-hosted versions, and any configuration where the search endpoint is accessible.

Exploitability

Exploitability is high. The attack vector is network-based, requires no authentication, no special configuration, and no user interaction. An attacker can craft a malicious GET request in seconds using readily available tools or command-line utilities. No special privileges are required on the attacker side. The barrier to entry is low, and active exploitation is likely if the application is internet-facing.

Remediation

Apply security updates from the PHP EI-Tube Script 3 vendor immediately upon availability. If patches are not yet available, implement input validation and prepared statements (parameterized queries) to neutralize SQL injection vectors. Additionally, restrict network access to the search endpoint, implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection patterns, and enforce database permissions to limit data exposure if injection occurs.

Patch guidance

Check the official PHP EI-Tube Script 3 vendor advisory for patched version numbers and deployment instructions. Verify that patches address SQL injection in the search parameter specifically. Test patches in a non-production environment before rolling out. Ensure database credentials are rotated post-patching, as compromise cannot be ruled out in exploited systems.

Detection guidance

Monitor web server access logs for GET requests to the search endpoint containing SQL keywords (SELECT, UNION, OR, AND) or SQL comment syntax (-- , /* */). Configure intrusion detection rules to flag payloads with encoded SQL syntax variations. Query database transaction logs for unusual query patterns or access to system tables. Use database activity monitoring tools to detect anomalous SQL execution. Search for indicators of credential extraction attempts (SELECT from user/password tables).

Why prioritize this

HIGH priority due to unauthenticated network access, high likelihood of exploitation, direct credential exposure risk, and absence from active exploitation lists (KEV). Organizations must assume this will be actively targeted if public disclosure details emerge. Any internet-facing instance should be treated as critical.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.2 (HIGH) is justified by: (1) Network Attack Vector—remotely exploitable with no authentication required; (2) Low Attack Complexity—no special setup needed; (3) High Confidentiality Impact—sensitive user data and credentials directly exposed; (4) Low Integrity Impact—attacker can modify data but the primary concern is extraction; (5) No Availability Impact—service remains running but compromised.

Frequently asked questions