CVE-2012-3435 in Zabbix
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in frontends/php/popup_bitem.php in Zabbix 1.8.15rc1 and earlier, and 2.x before 2.0.2rc1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the itemid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3435 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the zabbix monitoring platform's php frontend components. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 1.8.15rc1 and earlier, as well as 2.x versions before 2.0.2rc1, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these older zabbix deployments. The affected file popup_bitem.php serves as a user interface component for displaying item details within the zabbix web interface, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to database systems.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation of the itemid parameter within the popup_bitem.php script. When an attacker submits a maliciously crafted itemid value, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape this input before incorporating it into sql queries executed against the backend database. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for sql injection attacks, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries and potentially execute arbitrary sql commands with the privileges of the database user account used by zabbix. The vulnerability is classified under cwe-89 sql injection within the common weakness enumeration framework, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying system infrastructure. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive configuration data, user credentials, and monitoring information that zabbix typically manages. The attack surface is particularly concerning because zabbix systems often contain detailed information about network infrastructure, system configurations, and security events that could be valuable to adversaries planning further attacks. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability aligns with tactic t1190 establish persistence through database access and t1071 application layer protocol for maintaining covert communication channels.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to patched versions of zabbix 2.0.2rc1 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of zabbix web interfaces to untrusted networks. Database query logging and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious sql patterns, while input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level sanitization and database-level query parameterization. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing of all web application components to identify similar vulnerabilities within the zabbix installation or related systems.