External risk intelligence

qcubed profile.php SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2020-24913

The vulnerability exists in a web application framework (QCubed) within a profile-related script, which is typically accessible as part of a public-facing web interface. Because it allows unauthenticated interaction via standard HTTP POST requests, the attack surface is commonly exposed as an internet-facing web endpoint in real-world deployments.

SQL Injection

Qcubed

3.1.1 and earlier

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A SQL injection vulnerability in the qcubed web application framework allows attackers to access database information by sending specially crafted requests. This could lead to unauthorized data access and manipulation. The main concern is confirming relevance and exposure.

Attackers can read sensitive database information.
It affects web applications using the qcubed framework.
Confirm if your qcubed applications are exposed.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted POST request to the application's `profile.php` script. This request targets the `strQuery` parameter, which is not properly sanitized, allowing the injection of malicious SQL code. If successful, the attacker can gain unauthorized access to the application's database.

No authentication required.
Inject SQL via `strQuery` parameter.
Unauthorized database access.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

An unauthenticated attacker could inject SQL code into the `profile.php` script via the `strQuery` parameter. This could allow them to access sensitive database information or potentially modify data.

Database contents could be accessed.
SQL injection via POST request.
Unauthorized data access or modification.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This SQL injection vulnerability in qcubed affects web application frameworks. Typically, application owners or platform teams would be responsible for managing these environments. The first practical step is to identify all instances of qcubed, confirm their exposure and criticality, and then coordinate remediation with the relevant teams, potentially involving vendor support if applicable.

Application owners should confirm scope.
Verify external reachability and business impact.
Plan remediation based on identified risk.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is QCubed?

QCubed is an open-source PHP-based web application framework. Developers use it to build dynamic, database-driven websites and applications. It provides tools to simplify the interaction between the web interface and the underlying database, helping to streamline the development of complex site structures.

How does CVE-2020-24913 work?

This is a SQL injection vulnerability, identified by the weakness class CWE-89. It happens when the application does not properly clean user-provided data before using it in a database query. In this case, the `strQuery` parameter in `profile.php` accepts malicious SQL code, allowing an attacker to manipulate the database directly through the application.

Do I need to be logged in to trigger this bug?

No, authentication is not required to trigger this vulnerability. An attacker can reach the vulnerable script without needing a valid user account. Simply sending a specifically crafted HTTP POST request to the affected `profile.php` file is sufficient to initiate the attack; legitimate user actions within the application are not needed for the flaw to be active.

Why is this CVE considered an external threat?

Halo Surface Signal notes that because this vulnerability resides in a framework component often included in public-facing web interfaces, it is typically reachable from the internet. Since the flaw allows unauthenticated interaction via standard web requests, applications using this framework are likely to have this specific entry point exposed to the public.

How do I respond to this vulnerability?

Your first step is to locate all applications in your environment that rely on the QCubed framework. Once identified, evaluate if those applications are accessible over the network. Coordinate with your engineering teams to assess the business impact and determine the necessary path for patching or implementing protective controls to secure the database layer.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.