CVE-2013-2498 in SimpleHRM
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the login page in flexycms/modules/user/user_manager.php in SimpleHRM 2.3, 2.2, and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the username parameter to index.php/user/setLogin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2498 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SimpleHRM 2.3 and earlier versions, specifically affecting the user management module. This vulnerability exists in the flexycms/modules/user/user_manager.php file and manifests through the login page functionality. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands by manipulating the username parameter in the index.php/user/setLogin endpoint. This represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and query construction practices that directly compromises the integrity of the database layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the authentication flow. When a user attempts to log in through the vulnerable endpoint, the username parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate escaping or parameterization. This allows malicious actors to inject specially crafted SQL syntax that can manipulate the database query execution path. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that this occurs during the login process, meaning that successful exploitation could potentially grant attackers full database access or allow for privilege escalation within the application's user management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary database commands. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive user credentials, modify user accounts, delete critical database entries, or even escalate privileges to administrative levels within the SimpleHRM application. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK tactics including T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it leverages the application's legitimate login functionality to gain unauthorized access. The implications are particularly severe for organizations using SimpleHRM for human resources management, as the compromise could expose sensitive employee data, payroll information, and other confidential organizational details.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should begin with immediate patching of affected SimpleHRM versions to the latest releases that contain proper input validation and parameterized query implementations. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques including the use of prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Access controls should be implemented to limit the database privileges of the application user, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly those related to input validation and database security. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unusual query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.