CVE-2012-3953 in PHPList
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/index.php in phpList before 2.10.19 allows remote administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the delete parameter to the editattributes page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3953 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the phpList newsletter management system prior to version 2.10.19. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface of the application, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The flaw exists within the admin/index.php file and is triggered through the delete parameter on the editattributes page, making it particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the administrative functionality of the system. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper handling of user input within the phpList administrative interface. When administrators navigate to the editattributes page and utilize the delete functionality, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the delete parameter before incorporating it into sql queries. This lack of input validation creates an environment where maliciously crafted sql commands can be injected and executed within the database context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative access to be exploited, meaning that an attacker who has already gained administrative privileges can leverage this flaw to escalate their capabilities or extract sensitive information from the database.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3953 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary sql commands that can manipulate database contents, extract confidential information, modify user accounts, or even delete critical system data. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire phpList installation, as the database operations performed through this injection point can compromise all data stored within the system. Given that phpList is commonly used for managing email subscriber lists and related communications, this vulnerability could result in significant data breaches affecting thousands of users. The attack vector requires minimal privileges, as it targets existing administrative functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access might be compromised through other means.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around immediate software updates to phpList version 2.10.19 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering, database parameterization, and proper access controls. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to ensure no other similar injection points exist within the application, and implement web application firewalls to detect and prevent such injection attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be performed to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in production environments.