CVE-2012-6507 in ChurchCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in admin.php in ChurchCMS 0.0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) uname or (2) pass parameters in a login action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6507 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within ChurchCMS version 0.0.1, specifically affecting the admin.php component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the authentication process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input parameters. The vulnerability impacts the login functionality where user credentials are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it directly targets the system's authentication mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of two specific parameters within the login action: uname and pass. These parameters correspond to username and password fields respectively, and when not properly sanitized, they allow attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed within the database context. The flaw stems from improper handling of user-supplied data, where input values are directly concatenated into SQL queries without appropriate escaping or parameterization techniques. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses, and demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The implications extend beyond simple credential theft as the attacker could potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive church member information, manipulate database contents, or even gain shell access to the underlying system. This vulnerability compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire ChurchCMS deployment, potentially exposing personal information of church members and organizational data.
Organizations utilizing ChurchCMS 0.0.1 should immediately implement comprehensive mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques and adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, implementing proper authentication controls, limiting database privileges for application users, and conducting regular security assessments are essential measures. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services, emphasizing the need for robust patch management and security monitoring. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive audit logs for security incident response activities.