CVE-2012-6290 in ImageCMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ImageCMS before 4.2 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the q parameter to admin/admin_search/. NOTE: this can be leveraged using CSRF to allow remote unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-6290 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ImageCMS content management system prior to version 4.2. This vulnerability exists in the admin_search functionality and specifically targets the q parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input in the admin_search module. When the q parameter is submitted through the admin/admin_search/ endpoint, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classic SQL injection vector allows an attacker to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through the parameter. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the administrative interface, providing access to privileged functions that could enable data exfiltration, modification of database contents, or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the initial authenticated attack vector through the exploitation of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) mechanisms. While the vulnerability initially requires administrative credentials, the ability to leverage CSRF techniques transforms this into a remotely exploitable threat for unauthenticated attackers. This means that an attacker could potentially craft malicious web pages or email attachments that, when visited by an authenticated administrator, would execute the SQL injection attack without requiring the attacker to possess valid credentials. The combination of these attack vectors significantly broadens the threat surface and makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to severe security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control through database manipulation, credential access through administrative compromise, and privilege escalation within the application environment. The attack chain typically begins with authentication and authorization bypass through CSRF exploitation, followed by SQL injection to gain database access, and concludes with potential data exfiltration or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6290 should focus on immediate patching of the ImageCMS application to version 4.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative interfaces can help detect unauthorized access attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no other SQL injection vulnerabilities exist within the application. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security headers can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.