CVE-2012-4673 in NeoInvoice
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in application/controllers/invoice.php in NeoInvoice might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via vectors involving the sort_col variable in the list_items function, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-3477.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4673 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NeoInvoice web application framework. This security weakness resides in the application/controllers/invoice.php file where the sort_col variable within the list_items function fails to properly sanitize user input. The vulnerability operates by allowing remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters, potentially enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise. This flaw specifically affects the invoice management functionality of the NeoInvoice application, making it a targeted attack vector for threat actors seeking to exploit database vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the application's data handling processes. When users interact with the invoice listing functionality, the sort_col parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security where untrusted data is embedded into SQL commands. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2012-3477 in its specific implementation path, indicating that while both represent SQL injection threats, they manifest through different code paths and potentially different exploitation vectors within the NeoInvoice application architecture.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing NeoInvoice for financial and business operations. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to data theft, data manipulation, or complete database compromise. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers may gain elevated privileges within the database environment, potentially accessing customer records, financial data, and other sensitive business information. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in cloud-based or internet-facing environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4673 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied data, particularly parameters like sort_col, undergo rigorous sanitization before being incorporated into database operations. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL command structure from data content, effectively neutralizing the injection threat. Additionally, input validation should enforce strict data type checking and reject any malformed input that could indicate malicious intent. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security patches should be applied promptly, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other application components, as this vulnerability may indicate broader architectural issues in the application's security design that warrant comprehensive review and remediation.