CVE-2013-6872 in Collabtive
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in managetimetracker.php in Collabtive before 1.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a projectpdf action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6872 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Collabtive project management platform version 1.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the managetimetracker.php script and specifically affects the projectpdf action functionality. The flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the id parameter, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication to exploit, meaning that any user with valid credentials can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to database resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the managetimetracker.php script. When the projectpdf action is invoked with the id parameter, the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL fragments that are then executed by the database engine. The vulnerability is classified as a classic SQL injection attack pattern that falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates through legitimate application functions, making it harder to detect and distinguish from normal user activity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Collabtive 1.1 or earlier versions. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive data including user credentials, project information, and potentially administrative privileges. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers might be able to modify or delete database records, potentially compromising the integrity of project data and user information. The vulnerability also provides a potential foothold for further attacks within the network, as database access often provides attackers with additional attack surface. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.005 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the attack patterns commonly associated with web application exploitation.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Collabtive version 1.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in the affected script would provide defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in the projectpdf action usage, particularly when combined with other suspicious activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular security updates and proper input sanitization practices in web application development, as highlighted by industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices.