Skip to content
OpenAdvisories

Weakness (CWE)

CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command

Base

The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data.

How to prevent it (8 mitigations)
  1. Architecture and Design

    Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid [REF-1482].

    For example, consider using persistence layers such as Hibernate or Enterprise Java Beans, which can provide significant protection against SQL injection if used properly.

  2. Architecture and Design

    If available, use structured mechanisms that automatically enforce the separation between data and code. These mechanisms may be able to provide the relevant quoting, encoding, and validation automatically, instead of relying on the developer to provide this capability at every point where output is generated.

    Process SQL queries using prepared statements, parameterized queries, or stored procedures. These features should accept parameters or variables and support strong typing. Do not dynamically construct and execute query strings within these features using "exec" or similar functionality, since this may re-introduce the possibility of SQL injection. [REF-867]

  3. Architecture and Design, Operation

    Run your code using the lowest privileges that are required to accomplish the necessary tasks [REF-76]. If possible, create isolated accounts with limited privileges that are only used for a single task. That way, a successful attack will not immediately give the attacker access to the rest of the software or its environment. For example, database applications rarely need to run as the database administrator, especially in day-to-day operations.

    Specifically, follow the principle of least privilege when creating user accounts to a SQL database. The database users should only have the minimum privileges necessary to use their account. If the requirements of the system indicate that a user can read and modify their own data, then limit their privileges so they cannot read/write others' data. Use the strictest permissions possible on all database objects, such as execute-only for stored procedures.

  4. Architecture and Design

    For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.

  5. Implementation

    While it is risky to use dynamically-generated query strings, code, or commands that mix control and data together, sometimes it may be unavoidable. Properly quote arguments and escape any special characters within those arguments. The most conservative approach is to escape or filter all characters that do not pass an extremely strict allowlist (such as everything that is not alphanumeric or white space). If some special characters are still needed, such as white space, wrap each argument in quotes after the escaping/filtering step. Be careful of argument injection (CWE-88).

    Instead of building a new implementation, such features may be available in the database or programming language. For example, the Oracle DBMS_ASSERT package can check or enforce that parameters have certain properties that make them less vulnerable to SQL injection. For MySQL, the mysql_real_escape_string() API function is available in both C and PHP.

  6. Implementation

    Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.

    When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."

    Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.

    When constructing SQL query strings, use stringent allowlists that limit the character set based on the expected value of the parameter in the request. This will indirectly limit the scope of an attack, but this technique is less important than proper output encoding and escaping.

    Note that proper output encoding, escaping, and quoting is the most effective solution for preventing SQL injection, although input validation may provide some defense-in-depth. This is because it effectively limits what will appear in output. Input validation will not always prevent SQL injection, especially if you are required to support free-form text fields that could contain arbitrary characters. For example, the name "O'Reilly" would likely pass the validation step, since it is a common last name in the English language. However, it cannot be directly inserted into the database because it contains the "'" apostrophe character, which would need to be escaped or otherwise handled. In this case, stripping the apostrophe might reduce the risk of SQL injection, but it would produce incorrect behavior because the wrong name would be recorded.

    When feasible, it may be safest to disallow meta-characters entirely, instead of escaping them. This will provide some defense in depth. After the data is entered into the database, later processes may neglect to escape meta-characters before use, and you may not have control over those processes.

  7. Architecture and Design

    When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.

  8. Implementation

    Ensure that error messages only contain minimal details that are useful to the intended audience and no one else. The messages need to strike the balance between being too cryptic (which can confuse users) or being too detailed (which may reveal more than intended). The messages should not reveal the methods that were used to determine the error. Attackers can use detailed information to refine or optimize their original attack, thereby increasing their chances of success.

    If errors must be captured in some detail, record them in log messages, but consider what could occur if the log messages can be viewed by attackers. Highly sensitive information such as passwords should never be saved to log files.

    Avoid inconsistent messaging that might accidentally tip off an attacker about internal state, such as whether a user account exists or not.

    In the context of SQL Injection, error messages revealing the structure of a SQL query can help attackers tailor successful attack strings.

Source: MITRE CWE-89

6,403 results · Clear filters · Feed

  • High 8.3
    CVE-2026-54597 Public exploit

    ITFlow: Authenticated Time-Based Blind SQL Injection in ITFlow via expires Parameter

    ITFlow provides an IT documentation, ticketing and accounting system for small managed service providers. Prior to version 26.07, an authenticated user with module_support write permission and access to a credential record can perform time-based blind SQL inj…

  • High 8.1
    CVE-2026-54596 Public exploit

    ITFlow: Authenticated SQL Injection via recurring_invoice_frequency Parameter Enables Full Database Exfiltration

    ITFlow provides an IT documentation, ticketing and accounting system for small managed service providers. Prior to version 26.07, an authenticated Technician or higher with access to at least one client invoice can inject SQL through the frequency parameter h…

  • High 8.2

    MapServer: PostGIS Numeric Filter Value SQL Injection in MapServer Runtime Query Translation

    MapServer is a system for developing web-based GIS applications. Prior to 8.6.4, MapServer's PostGIS runtime filter translation in src/mappostgis.cpp and msPostGISLayerTranslateFilter() treats a filteritem as numeric when CONNECTIONTYPE POSTGIS and metadata s…

  • High 7.1

    Frappe HR: SQL Injection in HRMS Salary Payments Based on Payment Mode Report

    Frappe HR is an open-source human resources management solution (HRMS). Prior to 16.7.0, an authenticated user with the HR User role can inject SQL through filters in the Salary Payments Based on Payment Mode report. In hrms/payroll/report/salary_payments_bas…

  • High 7.1

    Traccar: Authenticated Blind SQL Injection in DELETE /api/permissions

    Traccar is an open source GPS tracking system. Prior to 6.14.0, an authenticated, non-readonly user with access to an object usable in a permission pair can submit DELETE /api/permissions with an extra attacker-controlled JSON key. Permission(LinkedHashMap<St…

  • High 7.3

    code-projects Matrimonial System partner_preference.php writepartnerprefs sql injection

    A vulnerability has been found in code-projects Matrimonial System 1.0. This vulnerability affects the function writepartnerprefs of the file /partner_preference.php. Such manipulation of the argument education leads to sql injection. The attack can be execut…

  • High 8.5

    SigNoz 0.88.0 before 0.142.1 - SQL Injection in Trace Funnel Analytics Query Builders

    SigNoz versions from 0.88.0 before 0.142.1 contain a SQL injection vulnerability in trace-funnel analytics endpoints that interpolate service_name and span_name fields into ClickHouse string literals without escaping. Authenticated attackers can inject SQL th…

  • High 7.6

    WordPress PublishPress Series plugin <= 3.1.3 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Administrator SQL Injection in PublishPress Series <= 3.1.3 versions.

  • High 7.6

    WordPress MC Woocommerce Wishlist plugin <= 1.9.21 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Administrator SQL Injection in MC Woocommerce Wishlist <= 1.9.21 versions.

  • High 7.6

    WordPress WP-Lister Lite for eBay plugin <= 3.8.11 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Shop manager SQL Injection in WP-Lister Lite for eBay <= 3.8.11 versions.

  • High 7.6

    WordPress WC Vendors Marketplace plugin <= 2.7.2.1 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Administrator SQL Injection in WC Vendors Marketplace <= 2.7.2.1 versions.

  • High 7.6

    WordPress SKT Addons for Elementor plugin <= 4.0 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Editor SQL Injection in SKT Addons for Elementor <= 4.0 versions.

  • High 7.6

    WordPress Newsletters plugin <= 4.18 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Administrator SQL Injection in Newsletters <= 4.18 versions.

  • High 7.6

    WordPress WPMasterToolKit plugin <= 2.22.0 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Administrator SQL Injection in WPMasterToolKit <= 2.22.0 versions.

  • High 7.6

    WordPress WP Maps plugin <= 4.9.9 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Administrator SQL Injection in WP Maps <= 4.9.9 versions.

  • High 8.5

    WordPress Product Feed Manager plugin <= 7.12.0 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Contributor SQL Injection in Product Feed Manager <= 7.12.0 versions.

  • High 8.2

    Improper Input Validation in Snowflake CLI Versions Allow Unsanitized User-Controlled Values to be Interpolated into SQL Strings

    Improper input validation in Snowflake CLI versions prior to 3.27.0 allowed unsanitized user-controlled values to be interpolated into SQL strings that are executed as multi-statement queries. An attacker who is able to supply a malicious project configuratio…

  • High 8.6

    Yo 1.1 - 1.3.1 - Unauthenticated SQL Injection via username Parameter

    The Yo WordPress plugin from 1.1 through 1.3.1 does not sanitize or parameterize the username request parameter before using it in a SQL query, and reads it before WordPress applies its request escaping, allowing unauthenticated attackers to perform SQL injec…

  • High 7.1

    Cisco Identity Services Engine SQL Injection Vulnerability

    A vulnerability in Cisco ISE could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct SQL injection attacks on an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have at least low-privileged administrative credentials. This vulnerability is …

  • High 7.6

    Cisco ISE SQL Injection Vulnerability

    A vulnerability in the APIs of Cisco ISE could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct SQL injection attacks against the backend database. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of certain parameters that are concatenated directly int…

  • High 8.8

    Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center Software SQL Injection Vulnerability

    A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Secure FMC Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to perform a SQL injection attack against an affected device. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have a valid accoun…

  • High 7.5

    Cisco Identity Services Engine Unauthenticated SQL Injection Vulnerability

    A vulnerability in Cisco ISE could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct SQL injection attacks on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sendi…

  • High 8.8

    Cisco Nexus Dashboard Software Security Hardening Release September 2026 - SQL Injection

    As part of Cisco's ongoing commitment to proactive security and product quality, the Cisco Nexus Dashboard engineering team has conducted a comprehensive internal security review. This review resulted in a software hardening release that addresses multiple in…

  • High 8.8

    Tanium addressed a SQL injection vulnerability in Threat Response.

    Tanium addressed a SQL injection vulnerability in Threat Response.

  • High 7.2

    Tanium addressed a SQL injection vulnerability in Asset.

    Tanium addressed a SQL injection vulnerability in Asset.

  • High 7.2

    Tanium addressed a SQL injection vulnerability in Asset.

    Tanium addressed a SQL injection vulnerability in Asset.

  • High 7.3

    SourceCodester Inventory and Monitoring System btn_functions.php add sql injection

    A vulnerability was detected in SourceCodester Inventory and Monitoring System 1.0. The impacted element is an unknown function of the file /admins/assessments/databank/btn_functions.php?action=add. Performing a manipulation of the argument difficulty_id resu…

  • High 7.3

    SourceCodester Inventory and Monitoring System index.php sql injection

    A security vulnerability has been detected in SourceCodester Inventory and Monitoring System 1.0. The affected element is an unknown function of the file /index.php. Such manipulation of the argument Username leads to sql injection. The attack may be launched…

  • High 7.3

    code-projects Matrimonial System Regular Search search.php sql injection

    A vulnerability was determined in code-projects Matrimonial System 1.0. This affects an unknown part of the file /search.php of the component Regular Search. This manipulation of the argument sex/mothertongue/maritialstatus/country/state/religion/agemin/agema…

  • High 7.6

    WordPress WP Mega Menu plugin <= 1.4.2 - SQL Injection vulnerability

    Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Themeum WP Mega Menu allows Blind SQL Injection. This issue affects WP Mega Menu: from n/a through 1.4.2.

  • High 8.9

    OpenMeter SQL Injection in ClickHouse-backed Meter Definitions

    SQL injection in ClickHouse-backed meter definitions in OpenMeter OpenMeter before v1.0.0-beta.228 on all platforms allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to access or modify metering event data, and potentially cause denial of service, via crafted user-con…

  • High 8.6

    Ni WooCommerce Sales Report < 4.2.0 - Unauthenticated SQLi via 'sort' Parameter

    The Ni WooCommerce Sales Report WordPress plugin before 4.2.0 does not sanitise and escape a parameter before using it in a SQL statement, allowing unauthenticated users to perform SQL injection attacks.

  • High 8.8

    Vulnerability in the Oracle Hyperion Financial Management product of Oracle Hyperion (component: Security). The support…

  • High 7.4

    Vulnerability in the Oracle Hyperion Financial Management product of Oracle Hyperion (component: Security). The support…

  • High 7.2

    Vulnerability in the Oracle Hyperion Financial Management product of Oracle Hyperion (component: Security). The support…

  • High 8.8

    Vulnerability in the Oracle Hyperion Financial Management product of Oracle Hyperion (component: Security). The support…

  • High 8.8

    Vulnerability in the Siebel CRM Deployment product of Oracle Siebel CRM (component: Server Infrastructure). Supported v…

  • High 8.8

    Vulnerability in the Siebel CRM Deployment product of Oracle Siebel CRM (component: Migration). Supported versions that…

  • High 8.7

    Joomla Extension - j2commerce.com - Unauthenticated blind SQL injection in the storefront product list in J2Store 1.0.0-3.3.2, 4.0.0-4.0.22, 4.1.0-4.1.7

    Joomla Extension - j2commerce.com - Unauthenticated blind SQL injection in the storefront product list in J2Store 1.0.0-3.3.2, 4.0.0-4.0.22, 4.1.0-4.1.7 - Unauthenticated, blind extraction of arbitrary database content (e.g. customer records, order data, stor…

  • High 8.5

    Concrete CMS 9.5.2 and below is vulnerable to Stored SQL Injection in Concrete CMS Document Library Block via `fsID[]` in `setMode=any`

    In Concrete CMS before 9.5.3, the Document Library block stored the file-set identifiers submitted through fsID[] without validating them as integers, and when the block was configured with setMode set to any it concatenated each stored identifier directly in…