CVE-2012-6039 in Advanced Image Hosting Script
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in view_comments.php in YABSoft Advanced Image Hosting (AIH) Script, possibly 2.3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the gal parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
The CVE-2012-6039 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the YABSoft Advanced Image Hosting (AIH) Script version 2.3 and potentially earlier versions. This vulnerability resides within the view_comments.php script, which serves as a component for displaying user comments associated with image galleries. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the gal parameter, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and parameter handling within the AIH script's comment viewing functionality. When a user accesses the view_comments.php page with a maliciously crafted gal parameter, the application directly incorporates this input into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This primitive approach to database interaction exposes the system to arbitrary SQL command execution, allowing attackers to manipulate the database structure, extract sensitive information, or even gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations deploying the YABSoft AIH Script. The remote exploit capability means attackers can potentially compromise the system from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication credentials. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include complete database compromise, which could result in unauthorized modification of image galleries, user account takeover, or even complete system infiltration. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services and T1071.1008 for application layer protocol usage. The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any system running the affected AIH script version where the view_comments.php endpoint is accessible. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to protect against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management practices to identify and remediate similar flaws in legacy web applications.