CVE-2014-3246 in Collabtive
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Collabtive 1.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the folder parameter in a fileview_list action to manageajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3246 represents a critical sql injection flaw within Collabtive version 1.2 that undermines the application's database security mechanisms. This weakness specifically affects the fileview_list action within the manageajax.php component, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authenticated attack vector indicates that exploitation requires prior user authentication, yet this prerequisite does not significantly diminish the threat level given that legitimate users may be compromised or that attackers may gain initial access through other means.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the application's backend processing logic. When the folder parameter is submitted through the fileview_list action, the system fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. This omission allows attackers to inject malicious sql fragments that can be executed within the database context, potentially enabling full database compromise. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in application security where untrusted data is improperly integrated into sql commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as authenticated users with malicious intent can execute arbitrary sql commands that may include data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, extract confidential project data, user credentials, or manipulate database structures to maintain persistent access. The attack surface is particularly concerning in collaborative environments where multiple users interact with shared project management systems, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to confidential project information or compromise entire project repositories. The vulnerability's presence in manageajax.php suggests that it affects dynamic content loading mechanisms that are frequently used in modern web applications, making it a particularly dangerous flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3246 must focus on immediate input validation and parameter sanitization improvements. Organizations should implement proper sql injection prevention techniques including prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot be interpreted as sql commands. The application should enforce strict input validation on all parameters, particularly those used in dynamic sql construction. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms can help detect anomalous database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1566 which addresses credential access through social engineering. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify similar sql injection patterns and implementation of web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future application versions.