CVE-2012-5167 in AContent
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in ATutor AContent before 1.2-1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) field parameter to course_category/index_inline_editor_submit.php or (2) user/index_inline_editor_submit.php; or (3) id parameter to user/user_password.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5167 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within ATutor AContent version 1.2-1 and earlier releases. This vulnerability affects multiple components of the application's web interface, specifically targeting three distinct entry points that handle user input processing. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL database queries, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three separate attack vectors that all stem from insufficient input validation mechanisms. The first vector involves the field parameter within course_category/index_inline_editor_submit.php, where user-provided data is directly concatenated into SQL statements without proper escaping or parameterization. The second vector operates through the user/index_inline_editor_submit.php script, which similarly processes user input through the field parameter without adequate sanitization. The third vector targets user/user_password.php where the id parameter can be manipulated to inject malicious SQL commands. These attack paths demonstrate a systemic weakness in the application's input handling architecture, where multiple modules suffer from the same fundamental flaw of inadequate data validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected database server. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to read sensitive information, modify or delete data, create new user accounts, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network connectivity to exploit these vulnerabilities. This makes the attack surface particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from any location with internet access, potentially enabling large-scale data breaches or system compromise across multiple installations.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities in software applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The attack vectors correspond to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for exploitation of vulnerabilities, with the specific tactics involving command injection and privilege escalation. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should consider implementing comprehensive security measures including input validation, parameterized queries, and regular security assessments to prevent similar issues in their systems.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of proper input sanitization techniques throughout the affected application components. All user-supplied parameters must be validated against expected input formats and properly escaped or parameterized before database interaction. The most effective mitigations include implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries, establishing proper input validation routines, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns throughout the application. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, while maintaining current security patches and regularly updating their security monitoring capabilities to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems.