CVE-2012-2718 in Counter module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Counter module for Drupal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors related to "recording visits."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The CVE-2012-2718 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the counter module of the drupal content management system that exposes organizations to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the counter module's visit recording functionality, which is designed to track page views and user interactions across web applications. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the module's database query construction processes, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the application's backend database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the counter module's visit tracking mechanisms. When the system attempts to record visits, it fails to adequately sanitize or parameterize input parameters before incorporating them into sql queries. This design flaw directly maps to common weakness enumeration cwe-89, which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental issue in application security where untrusted data is improperly integrated into database commands. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that manipulates the sql query execution flow, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, modifying sensitive information, or even executing administrative commands on the underlying database server.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2718 extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates a persistent attack surface that can be leveraged for comprehensive system compromise. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially escalate privileges within the database environment, access confidential user data, modify application behavior, or establish persistent backdoors through database-level access. The counter module's widespread use across drupal installations means that numerous websites and web applications could be vulnerable to this attack vector, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on the platform for content management and web presence. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where the counter module is enabled and actively recording user visits, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies focusing on input validation and database access controls. The primary remediation involves upgrading to patched versions of the drupal counter module or disabling the module entirely if visit tracking is not essential for operations. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection attempts, while conducting thorough database access audits to identify any potential unauthorized access or data manipulation. Additionally, organizations should establish proper input sanitization procedures and parameterized query implementations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other application components. The attack technique employed here aligns with common tactics used in the attack phase of the kill chain, specifically targeting the execution and privilege escalation phases where attackers seek to gain deeper system access through database-level exploitation.