CVE-2012-2762 in Serendipity
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in include/functions_trackbacks.inc.php in Serendipity 1.6.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the url parameter to comment.php.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2021
The CVE-2012-2762 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Serendipity blogging platform version 1.6.2. This vulnerability specifically affects the include/functions_trackbacks.inc.php file and manifests when the url parameter is passed to comment.php. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to manipulate the underlying database without requiring authentication or direct system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the trackbacks functionality of the blogging platform. When users submit trackback data through the comment.php endpoint, the url parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate escaping or parameterization. This design flaw creates an environment where malicious actors can construct SQL injection payloads that manipulate the database structure, extract sensitive information, modify content, or even gain unauthorized administrative access to the system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2762 extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise potential. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized content modification, user credential theft, and full system takeover. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the blogging platform's data, including user accounts, blog posts, and configuration settings. Organizations running affected Serendipity versions face significant risk of reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized data access. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or insider knowledge.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch for Serendipity 1.6.2, which addresses the input validation issues in the trackbacks functionality. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth layers to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Input validation should be strengthened at all application entry points, particularly for parameters used in database queries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071 for application layer protocols. Regular security audits, code reviews focusing on database query construction, and maintaining updated software versions form essential components of comprehensive remediation strategies. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts.