CVE-2012-3468 in Ushahidi
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Ushahidi Platform before 2.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via vectors related to (1) the verify function in application/controllers/alerts.php, (2) the save_all function in application/models/settings.php, or (3) the media type to the timeline function in application/controllers/json.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2021
The CVE-2012-3468 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Ushahidi Platform version 2.4 and earlier, exposing multiple SQL injection attack vectors that enable remote code execution. This vulnerability affects a widely used open-source platform designed for crisis mapping and information collection, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. The platform's architecture includes multiple entry points that lack proper input validation and sanitization, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient parameter validation in three distinct functions within the platform's codebase. The first vector involves the verify function in application/controllers/alerts.php where user-provided data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization. The second vulnerability exists in the save_all function within application/models/settings.php, where configuration parameters are processed without proper escaping or parameterization. The third attack surface is found in the timeline function in application/controllers/json.php where media type parameters are used in database operations without sufficient input filtering. These flaws collectively represent a failure in secure coding practices and demonstrate the platform's susceptibility to classic SQL injection attacks that have been documented in CWE-89 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command."
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3468 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through arbitrary command execution. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive user information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the platform. Given that Ushahidi is commonly deployed for crisis reporting and humanitarian response, the exploitation of these vulnerabilities could have severe implications for data integrity and user privacy. The remote nature of these attacks means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making the platform particularly vulnerable in environments where public exposure is common. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on the platform for critical information management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3468 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Ushahidi Platform version to 2.5 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries across all database interaction points, ensuring that user inputs are properly escaped or parameterized before being processed. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Security teams should conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on database interaction points and establish secure coding standards that prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors and ensure that defensive measures remain effective against evolving threat landscapes.