CVE-2012-2937 in Pligg
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Pligg CMS before 1.2.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) list parameter in a move action to admin/admin_index.php, (2) display parameter in a minimize action to admin/admin_index.php, (3) enabled[] parameter to admin/admin_users.php, or (4) msg_id to the module.php in the simple_messaging module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2017
The vulnerability CVE-2012-2937 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Pligg CMS versions prior to 1.2.2, exposing multiple attack vectors that enable remote code execution through maliciously crafted database queries. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate database operations by injecting malicious SQL code into parameter values. The affected parameters span across multiple administrative interfaces, creating a broad attack surface that could compromise the entire content management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through four distinct entry points within the Pligg CMS administrative framework. The first vector involves the list parameter within the move action of admin/admin_index.php, where user-supplied input directly influences SQL query construction without proper sanitization. The second vulnerability exists in the display parameter during minimize actions to the same administrative interface, while the third target involves the enabled[] parameter in admin/admin_users.php, which processes array inputs that can be manipulated to inject SQL commands. The fourth and final vector targets the msg_id parameter in the simple_messaging module's module.php file, where message identifiers can be exploited to execute unauthorized database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete administrative control over the affected CMS installation. Attackers could leverage these SQL injection points to extract sensitive user credentials, modify or delete content, inject malicious code into the database, or even escalate privileges to system-level access. The implications are particularly severe for content management systems that store sensitive user information, as the attack surface includes administrative functions that typically require elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, though the primary vector is SQL injection rather than DNS manipulation.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through automated scanning tools that identify parameterized SQL injection points. The lack of proper input validation and parameter sanitization across multiple administrative modules demonstrates a fundamental security flaw in the application's architecture. Organizations running affected versions of Pligg CMS face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, as these vulnerabilities can be exploited without authentication. The attack vectors are particularly dangerous because they target administrative interfaces that typically have the highest privileges within the system, making them prime targets for attackers seeking persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2937 require immediate action to upgrade to Pligg CMS version 1.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to trusted networks only. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activity and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts.