CVE-2012-4265 in Proman Xpress
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in category_edit.php in Proman Xpress 5.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4265 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Proman Xpress 5.0.1 web application, specifically within the category_edit.php component. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data passed through the cid parameter, creating an exploitable vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the underlying database query execution process. The vulnerability resides in the application's handling of category editing functionality where user input directly influences database operations without proper sanitization or parameterization.
This SQL injection vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The attack vector enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL syntax through the cid parameter, potentially allowing full database access and control. The flaw operates by bypassing the application's input validation checks, permitting attackers to construct malicious SQL statements that execute with the privileges of the database user account associated with the web application. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to initiate the attack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the database, modify or delete critical records, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the application and underlying database systems. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all data managed through the Proman Xpress application, including user credentials, business data, and potentially system configuration details. Additionally, successful exploitation could lead to persistent backdoor access, making the compromise more difficult to detect and remediate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4265 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input sanitization measures that filter or escape special characters used in SQL commands, combined with the adoption of prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL logic from user data. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and database privilege management to limit the potential damage from successful attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application codebase. The remediation process should include updating the Proman Xpress application to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, as well as implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security hardening and continuous monitoring of external attack surfaces.