CVE-2012-5292 in Atar2b
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Atar2b CMS 4.0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to (1) gallery_e.php, (2) pageE.php, or (3) pageH.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The CVE-2012-5292 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Atar2b CMS version 4.0.1, specifically targeting three distinct script files that handle user input processing. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The affected endpoints gallery_e.php, pageE.php, and pageH.php all accept an 'id' parameter that is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization measures, creating a pathway for unauthorized database access and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious input through the id parameter, which then gets concatenated directly into SQL command strings. This design flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can facilitate complete database compromise, user credential exposure, and unauthorized access to sensitive application data. Attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, bypass authentication mechanisms, or even execute operating system commands depending on the database backend configuration and the application's privilege structure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using Atar2b CMS 4.0.1, particularly those handling sensitive user data or business-critical information. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1071.005 (Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols) as it targets publicly accessible web application interfaces. Organizations may experience data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully, especially given the widespread use of content management systems in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5292 should prioritize immediate patching of the Atar2b CMS to a version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerabilities through proper input validation and parameterized query construction. Organizations should implement input sanitization measures including whitelisting acceptable input values, employing prepared statements or parameterized queries, and conducting thorough input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, while maintaining up-to-date vulnerability management processes to ensure timely remediation of discovered weaknesses. The remediation approach should follow secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations and industry standards for preventing SQL injection attacks through proper input handling and database query construction techniques.