CVE-2012-2115 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in interface/login/validateUser.php in OpenEMR 4.1.0 and possibly earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the u parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The CVE-2012-2115 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the OpenEMR medical records system version 4.1.0 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the interface/login/validateUser.php file which handles user authentication processes. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the 'u' parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the database query execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication validation mechanism, making it particularly dangerous as it could enable unauthorized access to the entire medical records system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and parameter handling within the login interface. When a user attempts to log in, the 'u' parameter containing username data is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This violates fundamental secure coding practices and creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow. The vulnerability can be exploited through carefully crafted sql injection payloads that leverage the 'u' parameter to bypass authentication mechanisms, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive patient data. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as critical security weaknesses in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2115 extends beyond simple authentication bypass to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive patient information, modify medical records, or even delete critical database entries, all while remaining undetected within the system's audit trails. The consequences are particularly severe in healthcare environments where patient privacy and data integrity are paramount. This vulnerability also represents a significant risk under the attack chain framework, as it provides initial access that could lead to further exploitation through lateral movement and privilege escalation. The impact is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects the core authentication system, making it a primary target for adversaries seeking persistent access to healthcare networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2115 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that implement proper input sanitization and parameterized queries. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts targeting the affected parameter. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls, database activity monitoring, and regular penetration testing can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive staff training on secure coding practices and vulnerability management procedures. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical healthcare information systems from similar threats.