CVE-2012-6520 in Wikidforum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the advanced search in Wikidforum 2.10 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) select_sort or (2) opt_search_select parameters. NOTE: this issue could not be reproduced by third parties.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6520 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the advanced search functionality of Wikidforum version 2.10. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input parameters during search operations, specifically affecting the select_sort and opt_search_select parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code through these input fields, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's classification as a SQL injection issue places it squarely within CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL statements into input fields for execution by the database. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how web applications can be exploited through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the affected parameters in the advanced search interface. The application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL queries, creating an environment where attacker-controlled SQL code can be executed with the privileges of the database user. The specific parameters affected are select_sort and opt_search_select, which are likely used to determine the sorting criteria and search options respectively in the forum's advanced search functionality. When these parameters are manipulated with malicious SQL payloads, the application processes them directly without proper validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would need to identify and exploit these specific parameter injection points.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the database server, modify or delete sensitive information, and even escalate privileges within the database environment. Given that Wikidforum is a web-based platform for collaborative content management, successful exploitation could compromise user accounts, forum data, and potentially lead to further attacks on the underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution through database manipulation makes it particularly dangerous in environments where the database server has elevated privileges or where the application is deployed on shared hosting environments. The inability to reproduce this issue by third parties suggests that the vulnerability may be environment-specific or require precise conditions that are difficult to replicate in controlled testing environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The primary defense mechanism involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from user input, ensuring that malicious SQL cannot be executed even if injected into the application. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and validation techniques, including whitelisting acceptable input values and employing proper escaping mechanisms, can significantly reduce the attack surface. The application should also implement proper access controls and privilege management to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security testing, as outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, which emphasize the critical need for input validation and proper database access controls in preventing SQL injection attacks.