CVE-2012-0934 in Theme Tuner plugin
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in ajax/savetag.php in the Theme Tuner plugin for WordPress before 0.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the tt-abspath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-0934 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Theme Tuner plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.8. This issue resides in the ajax/savetag.php file and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been consistently documented in cybersecurity literature. The vulnerability enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the tt-abspath parameter through a URL, creating a significant attack surface that could compromise entire WordPress installations. The flaw exemplifies the dangers of improper input validation and the perils of allowing user-controllable parameters to influence file inclusion operations within web applications.
This vulnerability operates through a remote file inclusion mechanism that directly violates secure coding principles and is categorized under CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. The tt-abspath parameter serves as the attack vector where an attacker can provide a malicious URL that gets processed by the application's file inclusion logic. When the WordPress plugin processes this parameter without proper sanitization or validation, it effectively allows the execution of remote code on the target server. The attack leverages the inherent trust placed in local file operations while failing to validate external inputs that could lead to arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring authentication and can be easily automated through various exploitation frameworks.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0934 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected WordPress installations. Once exploited, adversaries can install backdoors, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability directly maps to several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to command and control operations, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. Organizations running vulnerable WordPress installations face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, especially in environments where WordPress serves as a primary web application platform.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Theme Tuner plugin to version 0.8 or later, where the issue has been resolved through proper input validation and sanitization. Security administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of web application logs for suspicious file inclusion patterns and establish network-level controls to prevent outbound connections to known malicious domains. The fix typically involves implementing proper parameter validation, using allowlists for acceptable input values, and ensuring that all user-controllable parameters are thoroughly sanitized before processing. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security headers to add additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential remote file inclusion flaws within WordPress plugins and themes, as this represents a common class of vulnerability that affects numerous web applications across various platforms.