CVE-2025-62519
📋 TL;DR
An authenticated SQL injection vulnerability in phpMyFAQ allows users with 'Configuration Edit' permissions to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This can lead to full database compromise including data theft, modification, or deletion, and potentially remote code execution. Only authenticated privileged users can exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- phpMyFAQ
📦 What is this software?
Phpmyfaq by Phpmyfaq
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full database compromise leading to complete data loss, privilege escalation, and potential remote code execution on the database server.
Likely Case
Privileged authenticated user exploits the vulnerability to read, modify, or delete all FAQ data and potentially gain administrative access to the application.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls, database permissions, and network segmentation preventing lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access with specific permissions. SQL injection in configuration update functionality.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.0.14
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/thorsten/phpMyFAQ/security/advisories/GHSA-fxm2-cmwj-qvx4
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your phpMyFAQ installation and database. 2. Download version 4.0.14 from the official repository. 3. Replace all files with the patched version. 4. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Configuration Edit Permissions
allTemporarily remove 'Configuration Edit' permissions from all non-essential users until patching can be completed.
Database User Permission Reduction
allRestrict the database user account used by phpMyFAQ to only SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE permissions on necessary tables.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit 'Configuration Edit' permissions to only absolutely necessary administrators.
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with SQL injection protection rules and monitor for suspicious configuration update requests.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your phpMyFAQ version by viewing the footer or admin dashboard. If version is below 4.0.14, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check the footer of your phpMyFAQ installation or view the admin dashboard version information.Verify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify the version shows 4.0.14 or higher in the admin interface or footer.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple configuration update attempts from single user
- Failed SQL queries from phpMyFAQ application
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to configuration update endpoints
- SQL error messages in HTTP responses
SIEM Query:
source="phpmyfaq" AND (event="configuration_update" OR url_path="/admin/configuration") AND (status=500 OR response_contains="SQL")