CVE-2012-1780 in SocialCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in search.php in SocialCMS 1.0.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1780 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SocialCMS 1.0.5 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the search.php script where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The flaw exists in the handling of the category parameter, which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious actors seeking to exploit this weakness. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the improper inclusion of user-supplied data into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This weakness creates a direct pathway for unauthorized database access and manipulation through carefully crafted input strings that can bypass normal query execution boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the category parameter in the search.php script. The application fails to validate or escape special characters in the input, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that are then executed by the underlying database engine. This type of injection can result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects a core search functionality that is likely to be frequently accessed by both legitimate users and potential attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and input sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1780 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the affected system. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing threat actors to deploy additional malware, create backdoor access points, or escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. Organizations using SocialCMS 1.0.5 are at risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage when this vulnerability is exploited. The attack can be automated and executed at scale, potentially affecting multiple users and systems simultaneously. This vulnerability also provides a foundation for further attacks within the network, as compromised database credentials can be used to access other interconnected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1780 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent user input from being interpreted as SQL commands. Input validation and sanitization should be enforced at multiple levels, including application logic and database layer. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database permissions to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring and protection against exploitation attempts. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to a patched version of SocialCMS, as the vulnerability is well-documented and widely known within the security community. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications, following the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security updates in maintaining robust cybersecurity postures.