CVE-2012-0898 in myEASYbackup
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in meb_download.php in the myEASYbackup plugin 1.0.8.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the dwn_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0898 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the myEASYbackup WordPress plugin version 1.0.8.1. This security weakness resides in the meb_download.php script which processes file download requests through the dwn_file parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the parameter and access unauthorized files on the web server. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory" and align with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering files and directories. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially retrieve sensitive information including configuration files, database credentials, and other confidential data stored on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ in the dwn_file parameter. This manipulation allows the vulnerable script to interpret the user input as a legitimate file path while actually accessing files outside the intended download directory. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely without authentication, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise WordPress installations. The vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where the WordPress plugin is installed in directories with restricted file access or where sensitive configuration files are stored in accessible locations. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise through the exposure of administrative credentials, database connection details, and other critical system information.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0898 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable full system compromise and persistent access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read server configuration files, WordPress database credentials, plugin and theme files, and potentially even system-level configuration data. The exposure of database credentials could allow attackers to directly access and manipulate the WordPress database, leading to data theft, content manipulation, or injection of malicious code. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable attackers to discover other potentially vulnerable components within the web server environment, facilitating further exploitation. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments where multiple sites reside on the same server, as it could potentially allow attackers to access files from other websites hosted on the same infrastructure. The attack can be automated and executed at scale, making it a preferred target for mass exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0898 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and access control mechanisms. The most effective solution involves implementing strict input sanitization that validates and filters all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used for file operations. The meb_download.php script should be modified to enforce absolute path restrictions and prevent traversal sequences from being processed. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that the WordPress installation and its plugins operate with minimal required permissions. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components. The WordPress plugin should be updated to a version that addresses this vulnerability, and administrators should ensure that all plugins and themes are kept current with security patches. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns, and web application firewalls can be configured to block suspicious traversal attempts. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and restricting web server access to sensitive directories can significantly reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect and alert on directory traversal attempts and other common exploitation patterns.