CVE-2012-5912 in PicoPublisher
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PicoPublisher 2.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to (1) page.php or (2) single.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2025
The CVE-2012-5912 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in PicoPublisher 2.0 content management system that exposes the application to remote SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the id parameter in two key script files: page.php and single.php, which are fundamental components of the publishing platform's navigation and content retrieval mechanisms. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's database query construction process, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious SQL payloads through the id parameter, which then gets directly embedded into database queries without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This allows threat actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database server, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, modifying database content, or even escalating privileges within the application's operational environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5912 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a comprehensive attack surface that can be leveraged for various malicious activities. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to initiate the attack, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, including access to user credentials, personal information, and application configuration data. The vulnerability's presence in core navigation scripts like page.php and single.php means that any content accessed through these pathways becomes potentially exploitable, amplifying the attack surface significantly.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services through SQL injection attacks. The attack vector represents a common entry point for threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to web applications, as demonstrated by numerous real-world exploitation patterns documented in security incident reports. Organizations using PicoPublisher 2.0 are particularly vulnerable due to the widespread adoption of this platform and the relatively simple nature of the exploit, which requires minimal technical expertise to execute successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5912 should prioritize immediate implementation of parameterized queries and input validation mechanisms to prevent SQL injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves updating the affected application to a patched version that properly sanitizes all user inputs before incorporating them into database queries. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, database query parameterization, and input validation should be enforced across all application components. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and provide additional layers of defense against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the application's codebase.