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 using `deleteBatch()`. - For user-controlled conditions, use a normal `delete()` with Query Builder binds instead of `deleteBatch(`). - Where possible, express required matching values through the batch data and `onConstraint()` rather than as separate user-controlled `where()` clauses.
describes (1)
Related CVEs.
| ID | severity | exploitable | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-63221US | — | — | ||
CodeIgniter is a PHP full-stack web framework. From 4.3.0 through 4.7.3, Query Builder deleteBatch() substitutes bound values from where() conditions into generated SQL while ignor… | ||||
references
External citations — patches, advisories, analysis.
- https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4PACKAGE
- https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4/commit/f5e463b9a3e986389ce285963e51a7f1fab6559fWEB
- https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4/releases/tag/v4.7.4WEB
- https://github.com/codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4/security/advisories/GHSA-c9w5-rwh3-7pm9WEB
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-63221ADVISORY
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