CVE-2012-4232 in jCore
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admin/index.php in jCore before 1.0pre2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the memberloginid cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4232 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the jCore content management system prior to version 1.0pre2. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface through the memberloginid cookie parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw exists in the admin/index.php file where user input from the memberloginid cookie is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into SQL query constructions. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the SQL query execution flow by injecting malicious SQL code through the cookie parameter. When the administrative interface processes the memberloginid cookie value, it directly incorporates this unvalidated input into database queries without appropriate input filtering or parameterization. This creates a scenario where an attacker can craft specially formatted cookie values that alter the intended query logic, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the administrative context, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents severe risks to organizations using affected versions of jCore. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the administrative interface, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands means that attackers can extract confidential data, modify user accounts, manipulate content, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability eliminates the need for physical access or local network presence, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications and credential access through database exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4232 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 1.0pre2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for all cookie parameters, particularly those used in administrative contexts. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries would prevent the injection of malicious SQL code by separating the query structure from user input. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of administrative interfaces. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious cookie values and anomalous database query patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar injection flaws within the application stack, as the vulnerability represents a fundamental weakness in input handling that may exist in other components of the system.