CVE-2012-2306 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Addressbook module for Drupal 6.x-4.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2019
The CVE-2012-2306 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the addressbook module for drupal version 6.x-4.2 and earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the addressbook module which is part of the drupal content management system ecosystem and specifically affects versions prior to the patched release. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands through unspecified vectors within the application's input handling mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can be exploited without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to compromise web applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the module's codebase, allowing maliciously crafted input to be directly incorporated into sql query execution contexts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration cwe-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector typically involves manipulation of input parameters that are then processed by the application's database layer without proper sanitization or parameterization. In the context of drupal's addressbook module, this could occur when user-supplied data is directly concatenated into sql queries rather than being properly escaped or parameterized. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple input points within the module's functionality, potentially including form submissions, api endpoints, or parameterized url requests. This broad attack surface increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2306 extends far beyond simple data theft or modification. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify or delete records, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability could enable attackers to access user credentials, personal information, and other confidential data stored in the database. Additionally, attackers might leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks against the broader network infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity. This vulnerability also represents a significant risk to organizations relying on drupal 6.x systems, as these legacy versions may not receive ongoing security updates, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2306 must prioritize immediate action to address the vulnerability through proper patching and system hardening. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the addressbook module or upgrading to a supported version of drupal 6.x that contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped or parameterized before being processed by database queries. The principle of least privilege should be applied to database connections, limiting the permissions of database accounts used by the application to only those necessary for operation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious sql injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and the risks associated with running outdated software versions that may contain known vulnerabilities. This case serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous security monitoring and proactive vulnerability management within enterprise environments.