CVE-2026-31844
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Authenticated SQL Injection in Koha's suggestion.pl Exposes Data

Publication date: 2026-03-11

Last updated on: 2026-05-07

Assigner: 309f9ea4-e3e9-4c6c-b79d-e8eb01244f2c

Description
An authenticated SQL Injection vulnerability (CWE-89) exists in the Koha staff interface in the /cgi-bin/koha/suggestion/suggestion.pl endpoint due to improper validation of the displayby parameter used by the GetDistinctValues functionality. A low-privileged staff user can inject arbitrary SQL queries via crafted requests to this parameter, allowing execution of unintended SQL statements and exposure of sensitive database information. Successful exploitation may lead to full compromise of the backend database, including disclosure or modification of stored data.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-11
Last Modified
2026-05-07
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-11
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-31844
EUVD
EUVD-2026-11109
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
koha koha From 24.11.0 (inc) to 24.11.12 (exc)
koha koha From 25.05.0 (inc) to 25.05.07 (exc)
koha koha 25.11.00
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-89 The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data.
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Executive Summary

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "CVE-2026-31844 is an authenticated SQL Injection vulnerability in the Koha library management system, specifically in the staff interface's suggestions feature handled by the script /cgi-bin/koha/suggestion/suggestion.pl."}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'The vulnerability occurs because the displayby parameter is used directly in SQL queries without proper sanitization or validation, allowing a low-privileged staff user to inject arbitrary SQL code.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This injection can be exploited to perform error-based and time-based SQL injection attacks, enabling the attacker to retrieve sensitive backend database information such as user password hashes and potentially fully compromise the database.'}] [1]

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows a low-privileged staff user to execute arbitrary SQL queries on the Koha database.

  • Extraction of sensitive database information, including password hashes of users.
  • Potential full compromise of the backend database.
  • Disruption of normal staff interface operations due to error responses triggered by malicious input.
Compliance Impact

I don't know

Detection Guidance

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability can be detected by attempting to access the vulnerable URL with a malicious payload in the displayby parameter. Before patching, such requests cause HTTP 500 errors and generate error logs containing sensitive database information such as MySQL version or user password substrings.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'For detection, you can try sending crafted HTTP requests to the /cgi-bin/koha/suggestion/suggestion.pl endpoint with SQL injection payloads in the displayby parameter and monitor for 500 errors and unusual database error messages in logs.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Example curl command to test for the vulnerability (may cause errors):'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "curl -i 'http://<koha-server>/cgi-bin/koha/suggestion/suggestion.pl?displayby=EXTRACTVALUE(1,CONCAT(0x7e,(SELECT @@version),0x7e))'"}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Check the web server error logs for database error messages that leak information, which indicates the vulnerability is present.'}] [1]

Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation involves applying the patches released by the Koha development team that validate and sanitize the displayby parameter to prevent SQL injection.

After applying the patch, restart the Koha service to ensure the fix is active.

Until the patch can be applied, restrict access to the vulnerable staff interface or monitor and block suspicious requests targeting the displayby parameter.

Verify the fix by confirming that requests with previously malicious payloads no longer cause errors or leak information, and that the staff interface functions normally.

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