CVE-2012-2924 in eLearning Server
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/setup.inc.php in Hypermethod eLearning Server 4G allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The CVE-2012-2924 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Hypermethod eLearning Server 4G platform that exposes organizations to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the admin/setup.inc.php file, which processes user input through the path parameter without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then included and executed by the vulnerable PHP application, creating a severe security risk for educational institutions and organizations relying on this eLearning platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the PHP application's configuration handling mechanism. When the path parameter is passed to the setup.inc.php script, the application fails to sanitize or validate the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This primitive yet dangerous flaw aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where user-controllable input is used in file inclusion functions such as include, require, or their variants. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of insecure coding practices and inadequate input sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted URLs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, execute malicious scripts, or establish persistent access to the affected server. The implications are particularly severe for educational institutions using the Hypermethod eLearning Server, as these systems often contain sensitive student data, course materials, and administrative information. The vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical educational infrastructure. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services for initial access and privilege escalation.
Organizations affected by CVE-2012-2924 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of vulnerable file inclusion patterns from their codebase. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation for all user-controllable parameters and avoiding dynamic file inclusion with user-supplied data. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the Hypermethod eLearning Server to versions that address this vulnerability, as the manufacturer likely released fixes to prevent URL inclusion attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious URL patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, providing defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities in the future.