CVE-2012-6524 in pGB
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in kommentar.php in pGB 2.12 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6524 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the pGB 2.12 web application, specifically affecting the kommentar.php script. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The affected parameter, id, serves as the primary attack vector where malicious actors can inject crafted SQL commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database structure through carefully crafted malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malformed id parameter value that includes SQL syntax elements such as UNION SELECT statements, boolean conditions, or comment markers. When the application processes this input without proper validation, the injected SQL code executes within the database context, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. This flaw directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in application security where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it can provide attackers with complete database access and potentially allow for privilege escalation within the application's database environment.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing pGB 2.12, as it enables remote code execution capabilities and complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the database. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes the use of application layer protocols for command and control activities, as the SQL injection can be used to establish persistent access and exfiltrate data. The lack of proper input validation creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited repeatedly, making it a high-priority remediation target for organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6524 must focus on implementing robust input validation and parameterized query execution mechanisms. Organizations should immediately patch the application to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released a security update. When patching is not immediately possible, implementing proper input sanitization techniques such as prepared statements, stored procedures, and proper escaping of special characters can prevent exploitation. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Security monitoring should include logging and alerting for unusual database access patterns and malformed query parameters. The implementation of principle of least privilege for database accounts and regular security audits of database queries can further reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other application components that may present comparable attack surfaces.