CVE-2012-6560 in FreeNAC
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in deviceadd.php in FreeNAC 3.02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the status parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The CVE-2012-6560 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the FreeNAC 3.02 network access control system that exposes remote attackers to arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the deviceadd.php script, which serves as a component for adding network devices to the system. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the status parameter, which is processed without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. FreeNAC is designed as an open-source network access control solution that manages device authentication and authorization within enterprise networks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could allow unauthorized individuals to gain administrative access to network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection attack pattern where malicious input is crafted to manipulate the underlying database queries executed by the deviceadd.php script. When an attacker supplies a specially crafted status parameter containing SQL payload, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows the attacker to inject malicious SQL commands that can manipulate database records, extract sensitive information, or potentially execute commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability is classified as remote because no authentication is required to exploit it, meaning any network user can potentially leverage this flaw. According to CWE-89, this represents a classic SQL injection vulnerability that falls under the category of improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, which is a fundamental weakness in database query construction.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6560 extends far beyond simple data manipulation as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of networks relying on FreeNAC for access control. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to network device configurations, user credentials stored in the database, and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels within the FreeNAC system. This access could enable further attacks such as lateral movement within the network, data exfiltration, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using FreeNAC for network access control, as it undermines the core security functionality of the system. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including T1078 (Valid Accounts) through credential access, T1046 (Network Service Scanning) for reconnaissance, and T1566 (Phishing for Information) when used as a stepping stone for broader attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6560 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a newer version of FreeNAC that properly implements input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the network infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing secure coding practices and following OWASP Top Ten guidelines for preventing SQL injection attacks, particularly in applications handling sensitive network access control data. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.