CVE-2012-5367 in OrangeHRM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in OrangeHRM 2.7.1 RC 1 allow remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sortField parameter to (1) viewCustomers, (2) viewPayGrades, or (3) viewSystemUsers in symfony/web/index.php/admin/, as demonstrated using cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2012-5367 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in OrangeHRM version 2.7.1 RC 1, a widely used human resources management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface of the application where authenticated users with administrative privileges can exploit the flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability manifests through the sortField parameter within three distinct endpoints: viewCustomers, viewPayGrades, and viewSystemUsers, all accessible through the symfony/web/index.php/admin/ path. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages cross-site request forgery techniques, allowing attackers to manipulate authenticated administrative sessions and bypass normal access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the OrangeHRM application's administrative modules. When administrators access the specified endpoints, the sortField parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper parameterization or input sanitization. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an environment where maliciously crafted input can alter the intended SQL execution flow. The CWE-89 classification applies here as this represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability where user-supplied data is improperly integrated into database queries, enabling attackers to manipulate database operations and potentially extract, modify, or delete sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the system. Since the exploit requires only authenticated administrative access, it can be particularly devastating in environments where administrators have broad system privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation through CSRF attacks means that an attacker could potentially compromise an administrator's session by tricking them into executing malicious requests through compromised web browsers or social engineering techniques. This combination of authentication requirements and CSRF exploitation creates a dangerous scenario where even a user with limited privileges could potentially escalate to administrative level access through session manipulation.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how insufficient input validation can create critical attack surfaces within enterprise applications. The ATT&CK framework's T1213 technique for data from information repositories and T1078 credential access patterns are particularly relevant here, as the vulnerability enables both data exfiltration and privilege escalation. Organizations using OrangeHRM 2.7.1 RC 1 should immediately implement mitigations including input parameter validation, proper SQL query parameterization, and CSRF token implementation. The recommended remediation strategy involves applying the vendor's security patches, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough code reviews to ensure all database interactions properly utilize parameterized queries. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing role-based access controls and monitoring for anomalous administrative activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.