CVE-2012-5162 in OSClass
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in oc-admin/ajax/ajax.php in OSClass before 2.3.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a (1) edit_category_post or (2) enable_category action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5162 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the OSClass content management system prior to version 2.3.5. This vulnerability exists in the oc-admin/ajax/ajax.php file and specifically targets the handling of user input through the id parameter. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability manifests in two distinct attack vectors: one through the edit_category_post action and another through the enable_category action, both of which are processed through the index.php endpoint. This dual attack surface increases the exploitability of the vulnerability and broadens the potential impact on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter sanitization within the administrative AJAX handlers of OSClass. When the system processes requests containing the id parameter, it fails to adequately escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands that are then executed by the database server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate defense-in-depth measures within the application's data handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5162 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential full administrative control over affected OSClass installations. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications. Additionally, the administrative context of the vulnerability means that exploitation could lead to unauthorized modification of category structures, potentially disrupting service availability and enabling further attacks through compromised administrative privileges. The impact is amplified in environments where OSClass is used for managing sensitive content or user data, as the vulnerability provides a direct pathway to data manipulation and potential system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5162 require immediate action to upgrade affected systems to OSClass version 2.3.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before database interaction. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent SQL injection attacks. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the system, while also implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security maintenance in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content and administrative functions.