CVE-2012-5342 in CommonSense CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in SenseSites CommonSense CMS allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to (1) special.php, (2) article.php, or (3) cat2.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2025
The CVE-2012-5342 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting SenseSites CommonSense CMS versions prior to 2.1.1. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the CMS's core components, specifically targeting three key files that handle user data processing. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL injection, which occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the id parameter in three distinct endpoints: special.php, article.php, and cat2.php, all of which are part of the content management system's navigation and data retrieval mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. When the id parameter is passed to any of these three files, the application fails to properly validate or escape the input before incorporating it into database queries. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, or even gain unauthorized access to the database server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core CMS functionality that handles article display, category navigation, and special content pages, making it a high-value target for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5342 extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation. Successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to access user credentials, personal information, and sensitive business data. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions such as creating new administrative accounts, modifying content, or even deleting database tables. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers can systematically test these endpoints to identify the vulnerability and then escalate their access. The attack surface is particularly broad given that these files are commonly used for content delivery and user interaction.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper database access controls. The most effective defense involves updating to CommonSense CMS version 2.1.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, database activity monitoring, and regular security assessments can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability would violate security standards such as those outlined in ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53, particularly those addressing access control and vulnerability management. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as recommended in OWASP Top Ten and the SANS Institute's critical security controls, emphasizing that SQL injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities requiring immediate attention and remediation.