CVE-2012-10034 in ClanSphere
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2025
ClanSphere 2011.3 is vulnerable to a local file inclusion (LFI) flaw due to improper handling of the cs_lang cookie parameter. The application fails to sanitize user-supplied input, allowing attackers to traverse directories and read arbitrary files outside the web root. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by null byte injection (%00) to bypass file extension checks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-10034 affects ClanSphere 2011.3, a web-based content management system that falls under the category of local file inclusion flaws. This type of vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate application behavior by including local files through user-controllable input parameters. The specific flaw manifests in the application's handling of the cs_lang cookie parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious input that bypasses proper validation mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input sanitization practices that directly violates security best practices outlined in industry standards.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper validation of the cs_lang cookie parameter, which enables attackers to inject malicious file paths that traverse the directory structure of the web server. The application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input creates a direct pathway for attackers to access files outside the intended web root directory, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, or application source code. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with null byte injection techniques using the %00 character sequence, which allows attackers to bypass file extension checks and potentially execute arbitrary code or obtain unauthorized access to system resources. This technique leverages the way certain programming languages handle null terminators in string processing, creating a bypass mechanism that can circumvent standard security controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using ClanSphere 2011.3, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system information. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through the execution of malicious code or the retrieval of administrative credentials stored in configuration files. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access points within the affected system. The local file inclusion nature of the flaw means that even limited user access can potentially result in widespread system compromise, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit weak input validation controls.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to local file inclusion attacks, and represents a classic example of how inadequate security controls in web applications can create dangerous attack vectors. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through the exploitation of application flaws. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can result in significant data breaches or system compromise. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and proper file access controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation for all cookie parameters, enforcing proper file path restrictions, and eliminating the possibility of null byte injection through comprehensive sanitization processes that align with established security frameworks and industry best practices for preventing local file inclusion attacks.