CVE-2012-1112 in Open-Realty
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Open-Realty CMS 2.5.8 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the select_users_template parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The CVE-2012-1112 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Open-Realty Content Management System version 2.5.8 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the index.php script where user input is improperly sanitized, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through crafted directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically affects the select_users_template parameter, which processes user-supplied input without adequate validation or sanitization measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into the parameter value, effectively navigating outside the intended directory structure and accessing arbitrary local files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines the weakness of improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code or retrieve sensitive information from the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary file inclusion, which can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential remote code execution, privilege escalation, and denial of service conditions depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations running affected versions of Open-Realty CMS, as it provides remote attackers with unauthorized access to the underlying file system. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other critical system files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the CMS is installed with default permissions or where sensitive files are stored in accessible locations within the web root. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to upload and execute malicious files, leading to persistent backdoors and complete system compromise. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it a popular target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1112 should include immediate patching of the Open-Realty CMS to version 2.5.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being processed. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege can significantly reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring and log analysis should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper parameter validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards.