CVE-2012-0938 in TestLink
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in TestLink 1.9.3, 1.8.5b, and earlier allow remote authenticated users with certain permissions to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the root_node parameter in the display_children function to (1) getrequirementnodes.php or (2) gettprojectnodes.php in lib/ajax/; the (3) cfield_id parameter in an edit action to lib/cfields/cfieldsEdit.php; the (4) id parameter in an edit action or (5) plan_id parameter in a create action to lib/plan/planMilestonesEdit.php; or the req_spec_id parameter to (6) reqImport.php or (7) in a create action to reqEdit.php in lib/requirements/. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0938 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting TestLink versions 1.9.3, 1.8.5b, and earlier. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within multiple components of the TestLink testing platform, creating multiple attack vectors that allow authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The flaw specifically targets the display_children function in two key files located in the lib/ajax/ directory, namely getrequirementnodes.php and gettprojectnodes.php, where the root_node parameter fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. This vulnerability operates under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input.
The attack surface extends beyond the initial display_children function to include several other components within TestLink's architecture. The cfield_id parameter in the lib/cfields/cfieldsEdit.php file presents another vector where unvalidated input can be exploited to inject malicious SQL code. Additionally, the id parameter in edit actions and the plan_id parameter in create actions within lib/plan/planMilestonesEdit.php demonstrate the widespread nature of this vulnerability across different functional modules. The req_spec_id parameter in reqImport.php and the reqEdit.php files in lib/requirements/ further compound the risk by exposing additional entry points for SQL injection attacks. These multiple vectors indicate a systemic design flaw in input validation mechanisms throughout the application's codebase, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with numerous potential paths to compromise the underlying database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations using TestLink for test management and quality assurance processes. An authenticated attacker with appropriate permissions can leverage these SQL injection flaws to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the authenticated requirement reduces the barrier to exploitation compared to fully unauthenticated attacks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web applications through SQL injection. The implications extend beyond immediate data compromise to include potential privilege escalation, data corruption, and the possibility of using the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0938 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and parameterized queries throughout the TestLink application. Organizations must upgrade to patched versions of TestLink that address these vulnerabilities, as the affected versions are no longer supported and lack security updates. Implementing proper input sanitization and using prepared statements or parameterized queries in all database interactions will eliminate the SQL injection vectors. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the permissions of authenticated users, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the testing infrastructure, while maintaining updated security patches and monitoring for any new threats targeting the TestLink platform or similar test management systems.