CVE-2015-6512 in FreiChat
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the get_messages function in server/plugins/chatroom/chatroom.php in FreiChat 9.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the time parameter to server/freichat.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The CVE-2015-6512 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the FreiChat 9.6 messaging system that exposes remote attackers to potential command execution capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the get_messages function located in the server/plugins/chatroom/chatroom.php file, which serves as the core messaging component for the chat application. The flaw manifests when the time parameter is passed through the server/freichat.php endpoint, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary sql commands within the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the chatroom plugin's message retrieval mechanism. When the time parameter is processed without proper escaping or parameterization, it allows attackers to manipulate the sql query structure and inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the database engine. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration as it provides attackers with full database command execution capabilities. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to read sensitive user data, modify or delete chat messages, access user credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the chat system, making it particularly dangerous for applications that handle sensitive communications or personal data. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to the attack technique T1071.004 which involves application layer protocol manipulation and can be classified under the broader category of T1213 which covers data from information repositories.
Organizations utilizing FreiChat 9.6 should implement immediate mitigations including input parameter validation, sql query parameterization, and proper output encoding to prevent malicious sql injection attempts. The recommended approach involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions, establishing strict input validation for the time parameter, and conducting thorough security code reviews to identify similar patterns throughout the application codebase. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for sql injection attack patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes, as this flaw existed in a specific version of the software and would be resolved through proper version upgrades and security patches.