CVE-2012-1089 in Wicket
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Apache Wicket 1.4.x before 1.4.20 and 1.5.x before 1.5.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary web-application files via a relative pathname in a URL for a Wicket resource that corresponds to a null package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1089 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Apache Wicket framework versions 1.4.x prior to 1.4.20 and 1.5.x prior to 1.5.5. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize resource paths submitted through URLs, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can navigate beyond the intended application boundaries. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing Wicket resources that correspond to null packages, allowing attackers to manipulate relative pathnames in URLs to access arbitrary files within the web application's file system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted URL requests that leverage the framework's resource handling mechanism. When Apache Wicket processes a request containing a relative pathname that references a null package, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the path components, enabling attackers to traverse directories using sequences such as "../" to move up the file system hierarchy. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to access sensitive files including configuration files, source code, database files, and other system resources that should remain inaccessible to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1089 extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical application components and sensitive data. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, as attackers may retrieve application configuration files containing database credentials, cryptographic keys, and other sensitive information. The vulnerability affects web applications built on Apache Wicket framework, which is widely used for building dynamic web applications in enterprise environments, making this issue particularly concerning for organizations maintaining multiple applications built on this technology stack. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading affected Apache Wicket installations to versions 1.4.20 or 1.5.5 and later, which contain patches addressing the directory traversal flaw in resource path handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected applications are updated promptly, as the vulnerability exists in widely deployed framework versions. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by filtering suspicious URL patterns and monitoring for known attack signatures. Security monitoring should include log analysis for unusual path traversal attempts and implementation of proper access controls to limit file system access for web application processes. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovery of file and directory permissions, and T1566, covering credential access through various attack vectors including path traversal methods. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation controls at multiple layers of their application architecture to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in custom application code that interacts with the framework.