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CVE-2025-50979: SQL Injection Vulnerability in NodeBB’s Search-Categories API Endpoint

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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.com

This 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.

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Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.

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