CVE-2012-3834 in Open Source Security Information Management
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in forensics/base_qry_main.php in AlienVault Open Source Security Information Management (OSSIM) 3.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the time[0][0] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The CVE-2012-3834 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within AlienVault OSSIM version 3.1, specifically affecting the forensics/base_qry_main.php component. This vulnerability exists in the security information management system's forensic query functionality where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql commands. The attack vector requires remote authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to the system before exploiting this weakness, though this does not significantly reduce the severity of the issue. The vulnerability specifically targets the time[0][0] parameter, which is used in time-based filtering operations within the forensic queries, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to manipulate database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the ossim application's backend processing logic. When an authenticated user submits a request containing malicious input through the time[0][0] parameter, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize this input before incorporating it into sql queries executed against the underlying database. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for sql injection attacks, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability aligns with cwe-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to complete database compromise. The attack can potentially enable unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, as well as privilege escalation within the database environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3834 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with significant control over the underlying database infrastructure. An authenticated attacker can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive security information, modify forensic data, or even gain access to other system components that rely on the same database backend. The forensic nature of the affected component means that attackers could potentially manipulate security event logs, making it difficult to maintain audit trails and compromising the integrity of security monitoring processes. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the security information management system, as it could lead to complete system compromise. The attack can be classified under the attack technique of command injection within the mitre att&ck framework, specifically targeting database access and manipulation phases. Organizations using alienvault ossim 3.1 are particularly at risk since this vulnerability affects core security monitoring functionality and could allow attackers to hide their presence while exfiltrating data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3834 require immediate action including patching the affected alienvault ossim version to the latest available release that addresses this sql injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterization techniques throughout their applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. The principle of least privilege should be enforced for database accounts used by ossim, ensuring that these accounts have minimal required permissions to reduce the impact of potential sql injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses across all system components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input sanitization and proper application security practices in security information management systems.