Overview
We are addressing a serious vulnerability that affects NodeBB version 4.3.0. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-50979, exposes the software to SQL injection attacks via its search-categories API endpoint (/api/v3/search/categories). This flaw allows malicious actors to potentially compromise the system or cause data leakage. As an open-source forum software written in Node.js, NodeBB is used by many online communities, making this vulnerability a significant concern for moderators and administrators.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-50979
Severity: High (8.6 CVSS Severity Score)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise and potential data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
NodeBB | 4.3.0
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper sanitization of the search query parameter in the search-categories API endpoint. As a result, an unauthenticated, remote attacker can inject boolean-based blind and PostgreSQL error-based payloads. This allows the attacker to manipulate SQL queries executed by the server and access sensitive data, possibly leading to a system compromise or data leakage.
Conceptual Example Code
Here’s a conceptual example of how an attacker might exploit this vulnerability. Note that the “malicious_payload” below is a placeholder for actual SQL injection payloads.
GET /api/v3/search/categories?search={malicious_payload} HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.comThis request illustrates how an attacker could send a malicious payload within the search parameter to the vulnerable endpoint.
Mitigation and Prevention
Users of NodeBB 4.3.0 should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch to remediate this vulnerability. In the absence of a patch, you can temporarily mitigate this issue by employing a web application firewall (WAF) or intrusion detection system (IDS). These systems can be configured to detect and block suspicious payloads in the search query parameter of the search-categories API endpoint.
Remember, it’s essential to regularly update your software and systems to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited. Cybersecurity is not a one-time task but a continuous process.
