CVE-2025-46337: Critical SQL Injection Vulnerability in ADOdb PHP Library

CVE-2025-46337 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability affecting the ADOdb PHP database abstraction library, which is widely used in web applications for managing database queries across multiple database systems. This flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and even remote code execution (RCE).

The vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, prompting security agencies, including CISA, to issue urgent remediation guidelines. Organizations using ADOdb with PostgreSQL must take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with this flaw.

1. Overview of CVE-2025-46337

Vulnerability Details

• Vulnerability Type: SQL Injection (CWE-89)
• Affected Component: ADOdb PostgreSQL driver (pg_insert_id() method)
• Impact: Remote Code Execution (RCE), Data Exfiltration, Database Manipulation
• CVSS Score: 10.0 (Critical)

How the Exploit Works

• The vulnerability stems from improper escaping of query parameters in the pg_insert_id() method when interacting with a PostgreSQL database.
• Attackers can inject malicious SQL statements via user-supplied input, leading to unauthorized database access.
• Exploited systems may suffer data breaches, privilege escalation, or full database compromise, allowing attackers to manipulate stored data or execute arbitrary commands.

Why This Vulnerability Is Dangerous

• No authentication required – Attackers can exploit the flaw remotely without needing valid credentials.
• Wide attack surface – Many PHP-based applications use ADOdb, making this vulnerability a high-risk flaw for web applications.
• Potential for full system compromise – If exploited, attackers can gain administrative access, modify database records, or deploy malware within the compromised environment.

2. Affected Versions

• ADOdb versions prior to 5.22.9 are vulnerable.
• The issue was patched in ADOdb 5.22.9, released on May 3, 2025.

Applications and Systems at Risk

• Web applications using ADOdb for database interactions.
• Content management systems (CMS) and e-commerce platforms relying on ADOdb.
• Enterprise software integrating ADOdb for PostgreSQL database management.

3. Exploitation Details

Active Exploitation in the Wild

• Security researchers have confirmed that CVE-2025-46337 is actively exploited by threat actors targeting PHP-based applications.
• The vulnerability is particularly dangerous for Linux-based web servers, cloud-hosted applications, and embedded systems using ADOdb.
• Cybercriminal groups are leveraging this flaw for database compromise, credential theft, and malware deployment.

Observed Attack Techniques

• Automated SQL injection attacks targeting web applications with exposed database endpoints.
• Credential harvesting – Attackers extract stored usernames and passwords from compromised databases.
• Privilege escalation – Exploited systems allow attackers to gain administrative control over affected applications.
• Malware injection – Attackers use SQL injection to deploy backdoors or execute remote commands.

Potential Attack Scenarios

• Remote attackers inject malicious SQL queries via user-controlled input passed to pg_insert_id().
• Exploited systems may be used for data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or ransomware deployment.
• Attackers can modify database records, delete critical data, or create unauthorized administrator accounts.

4. Mitigation Strategies

A. Apply Security Updates

• Organizations using ADOdb should immediately upgrade to version 5.22.9 or later.
• Ensure all dependent applications using ADOdb are updated to prevent exploitation.

B. Implement Secure Coding Practices

• Sanitize user input – Use parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.
• Escape query parameters properly – Ensure pg_escape_identifier() is used to sanitize database inputs.
• Avoid direct execution of user-supplied data – Never pass raw user input into SQL queries without validation.

C. Restrict Database Access

• Limit database privileges – Ensure applications only have minimum necessary permissions to perform operations.
• Disable remote database access – Restrict database connections to trusted IP addresses.
• Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) – Deploy WAFs to detect and block SQL injection attempts.

D. Monitor for Exploitation

• Deploy Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to flag suspicious SQL queries.
• Audit logs for unexpected database access attempts or unauthorized modifications.
• Monitor network traffic for signs of data exfiltration or malicious queries.

5. Compliance Requirements

Federal Agencies

Under Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01, Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies must apply patches by May 26, 2025.

Industry Compliance

• PCI DSS – Organizations handling payment data must patch vulnerabilities to maintain compliance.
• GDPR – Companies processing personal data must secure databases against unauthorized access.
• ISO 27001 – Security teams must implement controls to mitigate SQL injection risks.

6. Conclusion

The inclusion of CVE-2025-46337 in security advisories highlights the critical nature of this vulnerability. Organizations using ADOdb with PostgreSQL must prioritize patching, sanitize input, and monitor for exploitation to mitigate risks.

Failure to address this vulnerability could result in data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. Security teams should immediately apply patches, restrict database access, and deploy monitoring solutions to prevent exploitation.