CVE-2012-1022 in 4images
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/categories.php in 4images 1.7.10 remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_parent_id parameter in an addcat action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
The CVE-2012-1022 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the 4images 1.7.10 content management system that specifically targets the admin/categories.php script. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the cat_parent_id parameter during administrative category addition operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into the database query execution flow, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized administrative access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the administrative interface where the cat_parent_id value is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization or parameter binding. When an attacker submits a malicious value through the addcat action, the application fails to validate or escape the input before incorporating it into the sql statement. This creates an exploitable condition where sql commands can be executed with the privileges of the web application's database user, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification, or complete database destruction.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to 4images installations as it allows remote code execution capabilities through sql injection attacks. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete content, and potentially establish persistent access to the affected system. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality specifically, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the content management system and all associated data. The impact is particularly severe as it targets administrative functions that typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection flaws as one of the most dangerous web application vulnerabilities. The attack surface aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services, and T1078 for valid accounts usage when attackers gain administrative access through this vulnerability. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the 4images application to version 1.7.11 or later which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls can provide defense-in-depth measures. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to trusted networks only, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications.