CVE-2012-2740 in PHPList
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in public_html/lists/admin in phpList before 2.10.18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sortby parameter in a find action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2740 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the phpList newsletter management system affecting versions prior to 21018. This security weakness resides in the administrative interface at the path public_html/lists/admin where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql query constructions. The specific parameter exploited is sortby within the find action, which demonstrates a classic input validation failure that enables malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations through crafted sql payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the sortby parameter during administrative search operations. The phpList application processes this input without adequate sanitization or parameterization, allowing sql injection payloads to be executed directly against the database backend. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a direct result of insufficient input validation and improper sql query construction practices. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for systems where administrative access can be gained through social engineering or other means.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2740 extends beyond simple data theft, as remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands with the privileges of the database user account. This capability enables comprehensive database manipulation including but not limited to data extraction, modification, deletion, and potentially the execution of system commands if the database user has elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the phpList system, as attackers can compromise the newsletter distribution functionality, access subscriber data, and potentially establish persistent access through database-level backdoors. This threat vector aligns with the attack technique T1071.004 from the ATT&CK framework which covers application layer protocol manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of phpList installations to version 2.10.18 or later where the sql injection flaw has been addressed through proper input sanitization and parameterized query construction. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures at all application entry points and establish proper database access controls limiting the privileges of database users to the minimum required for application functionality. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the security improvements that address the underlying sql injection vulnerability.