CodeIgniter: SQL injection in Query Builder deleteBatch() when used with where() conditions
Impact
A SQL injection vulnerability exists in the Query Builder's deleteBatch() method. When deleteBatch() is used together with where() conditions, the bound values from the WHERE clause are substituted directly into the generated SQL with their escape flag ignored, so they are never escaped or quoted. If an application passes user-controlled input to where() before calling deleteBatch(), that input is interpreted as SQL rather than as a value, allowing SQL injection.
This affects only the deleteBatch() code path. Regular delete() operations escape where() binds correctly.
Patches
Upgrade to v4.7.4 or later.
Workarounds
If you cannot upgrade immediately:
- Strictly validate and cast values (e.g. numeric IDs) before using them in conditions - though this does not fully protect string conditions.
- Do not pass user-controlled input to
where()when usingdeleteBatch(). - For user-controlled conditions, use a normal
delete()with Query Builder binds instead ofdeleteBatch(). - Where possible, express required matching values through the batch data and
onConstraint()rather than as separate user-controlledwhere()clauses.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composer package | codeigniter4/framework | >= 4.3.0, < 4.7.4 | 4.7.4 |
References
- https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4/security/advisories/GHSA-c9w5-rwh3-7pm9
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-63221
- https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4/commit/f5e463b9a3e986389ce285963e51a7f1fab6559f
- https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4
- https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4/releases/tag/v4.7.4
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-89- Platform
- Composer
- Package
codeigniter4/framework- Disclosed
- 07.08.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-c9w5-rwh3-7pm9 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: codeigniter4/framework
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Composer package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 19
- First → latest
- 01.2022 08.2026
- Without a fix
- 1
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 6
- High 8
- Medium 4
- Low 1
Disclosures per year
- 2022: 9
- 2023: 2
- 2024: 1
- 2025: 2
- 2026: 5
-
CodeIgniter: SQL injection in Query Builder deleteBatch() when used with where() conditions this entry
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