CVE-2012-5304 in YVS Image Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in administration/install.php in YVS Image Gallery allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code into functions/db_connect.php via unspecified vectors. NOTE: this is only a vulnerability when the administrator does not follow recommendations in the product s installation documentation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2018
The CVE-2012-5304 vulnerability represents a critical static code injection flaw within the YVS Image Gallery administration interface, specifically targeting the installation script located at administration/install.php. This vulnerability exists in the context of web application security where improper input validation and sanitization create pathways for malicious code execution. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates through the installation phase of the application, a period when administrators are typically focused on configuration rather than security considerations. The vulnerability's designation as "static code injection" indicates that attackers can inject PHP code directly into the application's codebase through the installation process, bypassing normal runtime security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors within the installation script that fail to properly validate or sanitize user inputs before processing them into the application's database connection functions. When an administrator executes the installation process, the malicious input gets written directly into functions/db_connect.php without adequate sanitization, effectively allowing attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code that will execute with the privileges of the web server. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" where the application constructs code or commands using externally-influenced input without proper validation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be achieved through remote access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators may not strictly follow installation documentation.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5304 extends far beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the web application environment. Once successfully exploited, the injected PHP code can be executed with the privileges of the web server, potentially enabling attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or manipulate the application's functionality. The vulnerability's conditionality based on administrator non-compliance creates a dangerous assumption that security measures are only effective when properly implemented, highlighting the importance of security awareness in administrative procedures. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can potentially escalate their access through the ATT&CK framework's execution techniques, particularly those involving legitimate system tools and command execution, which can lead to further compromise of the web server and potentially the entire network infrastructure. The persistence of the injected code means that even if the initial exploitation is detected and the installation process is restarted, the malicious code remains embedded in the database connection file.
The recommended mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on strict adherence to installation documentation and comprehensive input validation. Organizations should implement mandatory code reviews and security testing during the installation phase, ensuring that all inputs are properly sanitized and validated before being processed. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting the permissions of the web server and preventing the installation process from writing directly to critical application files. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify suspicious activities during the installation process. Security awareness training for administrators is crucial to ensure they understand the risks associated with deviating from recommended installation procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of defense in depth, where multiple security controls work together to prevent exploitation, including web application firewalls, secure coding practices, and regular security assessments. Organizations should also implement proper file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to critical application files such as functions/db_connect.php that could indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability.