CVE-2025-59431
📋 TL;DR
MapServer versions before 8.4.1 contain a SQL injection vulnerability in the XML Filter Query directive PropertyName. Attackers can bypass expression checking using double quotes to manipulate backend database queries, potentially accessing or modifying sensitive GIS data. All MapServer deployments using vulnerable versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- MapServer
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise allowing data theft, modification, or deletion; potential remote code execution if database permissions allow.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive GIS data, database information disclosure, and potential data manipulation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and database permission restrictions in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection via double quote bypass requires understanding of MapServer XML Filter Query syntax.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 8.4.1
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/MapServer/MapServer/security/advisories/GHSA-256m-rx4h-r55w
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup current MapServer configuration and data. 2. Download MapServer 8.4.1 or later from official repository. 3. Follow upgrade instructions for your platform. 4. Restart MapServer services. 5. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable XML Filter Query
allTemporarily disable XML Filter Query functionality if not required
Modify MapServer configuration to remove or comment XML Filter Query directives
Input Validation Filter
allImplement web application firewall or input validation to block double quotes in PropertyName values
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation to reject PropertyName values containing double quotes
- Restrict database user permissions to minimum required for MapServer operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check MapServer version; if below 8.4.1 and using XML Filter Query, assume vulnerable.Check Version:
mapserv -vVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm MapServer version is 8.4.1 or higher and test XML Filter Query functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual database queries from MapServer process
- SQL error messages in logs
- Multiple failed query attempts with special characters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with XML containing double quotes in PropertyName values
- Unusual database traffic patterns from MapServer
SIEM Query:
source="mapserver.log" AND ("PropertyName" AND "\"") OR "SQL syntax"