CVE-2012-1207 in Fork
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in frontend/core/engine/javascript.php in Fork CMS 3.2.4 and possibly other versions before 3.2.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the module parameter to frontend/js.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1207 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Fork CMS content management system version 3.2.4 and earlier versions. This security weakness resides in the frontend/core/engine/javascript.php file and specifically affects the module parameter handling within the frontend/js.php endpoint. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by exploiting a simple directory traversal technique using the .. (dot dot) sequence in the module parameter. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which classifies directory traversal or path traversal attacks as a fundamental security flaw where attackers can access files and directories outside the intended scope through manipulation of input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the module parameter to the javascript.php script. When a malicious user submits a request containing .. sequences in the module parameter, the application processes these traversal sequences without adequate input validation, allowing the attacker to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core engine level of the CMS, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other critical system files. This flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure web application development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors on the affected server. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to read configuration files containing database passwords, access application source code to identify additional vulnerabilities, or even access other system files that might contain authentication tokens or session information. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate confidentiality of the system but also poses risks to the overall integrity and availability of the web application. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where CMS platforms serve as the primary web application interface and often contain sensitive organizational data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1207 should focus on immediate patching of the Fork CMS platform to version 3.2.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization of user parameters and the implementation of proper access controls to restrict file system access. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in URL parameters. Security monitoring should include scanning for the presence of .. sequences in module parameters and other potentially dangerous input patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines, which emphasize the need for proper input validation and the principle of least privilege when accessing system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar directory traversal patterns in their web applications, as this type of flaw can often be identified through routine security assessments and penetration testing activities.