CVE-2012-5550 in Time Spent
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Time Spent module 6.x and 7.x for Drupal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2018
The CVE-2012-5550 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Time Spent module for Drupal versions 6.x and 7.x, presenting a significant security risk to affected systems. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure data handling within web applications, specifically targeting the module's interaction with database queries. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in content management systems where user input is frequently processed and stored in databases, creating multiple potential attack vectors for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Time Spent module's database query construction process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious input through unspecified vectors that bypass normal input filtering mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification aligns with cwe-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The module's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can alter the intended execution flow of sql statements. This allows adversaries to inject additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account associated with the drupal application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5550 extends far beyond immediate data breaches, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. Remote exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the database server, potentially leading to full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data. The vulnerability's presence in both drupal 6.x and 7.x versions means that organizations running either of these platforms are at risk, creating a widespread security concern across numerous web applications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential information, modify or delete database records, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected systems. The implications are particularly severe for organizations that rely heavily on drupal for content management, as the compromise of the time spent module can affect project tracking, resource allocation, and other critical business functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5550 should prioritize immediate patching of affected drupal installations, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official security updates. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before database insertion. The use of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent sql injection attacks. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other modules or components of the drupal platform. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and privilege separation to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that database accounts used by web applications have minimal necessary permissions. The vulnerability's characteristics align with attack techniques described in the mitre att&ck framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion domains, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patch management.