CVE-2012-3469 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 messages admin functionality in application/controllers/admin/messages.php, (2) application/libraries/api/MY_Checkin_Api_Object.php, (3) application/controllers/admin/messages/reporters.php, or (4) the location API in application/libraries/api/MY_Locations_Api_Object.php and application/models/location.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2021
The CVE-2012-3469 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Ushahidi Platform version 2.4 and earlier, exposing multiple SQL injection attack vectors that could enable remote code execution. This platform, widely used for crisis mapping and information gathering, became susceptible to malicious exploitation through four distinct attack surfaces within its administrative and API components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling in several core modules, creating pathways for attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted malicious inputs.
The technical exploitation occurs through four primary vectors that demonstrate poor input sanitization practices throughout the application's codebase. The first vector targets the messages admin functionality in application/controllers/admin/messages.php where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The second vector resides in application/libraries/api/MY_Checkin_Api_Object.php, where API endpoints fail to validate incoming data before constructing database operations. The third vector appears in application/controllers/admin/messages/reporters.php, while the fourth operates through the location API in application/libraries/api/MY_Locations_Api_Object.php and application/models/location.php, all demonstrating the same fundamental flaw of inadequate input validation.
This vulnerability operates under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in applications and services. The impact of successful exploitation extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers could gain complete control over the database backend, potentially leading to full system compromise. The administrative functionality targeted in these vulnerabilities provides attackers with privileged access to sensitive information including user credentials, incident reports, and mapping data that organizations rely upon for crisis response operations.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for organizations using Ushahidi Platform, particularly those in humanitarian and crisis response sectors where timely and accurate information is critical. Attackers could manipulate or delete critical incident reports, compromise user privacy, and potentially disrupt emergency response operations. The remote nature of these attacks means that adversaries do not require physical access to systems, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that depend on the platform for real-time crisis communication and coordination.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including upgrading to Ushahidi Platform version 2.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches for these vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other applications, and establishing proper input validation procedures. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify potential injection points in legacy systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.