CVE-2012-1226 in Dolibarr
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Dolibarr CMS 3.2.0 Alpha allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files and possibly execute arbitrary code via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) file parameter to document.php or (2) backtopage parameter in a create action to comm/action/fiche.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2012-1226 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Dolibarr CMS version 3.2.0 Alpha that exposes the system to remote code execution and unauthorized file access. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in two specific endpoints of the application, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate file paths and gain access to sensitive system resources. The flaw exists in the document.php script where the file parameter accepts directory traversal sequences, and in the comm/action/fiche.php script where the backtopage parameter in create actions can be exploited to navigate outside the intended directory structure. Such vulnerabilities fall under CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal attacks. The attack vector allows remote adversaries to craft malicious requests that bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem, potentially accessing configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive data. In many cases, directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Dolibarr's document management and action handling components, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on this content management system for business operations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, obtain unauthorized access to system resources, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as exploitation often involves crafting malicious URLs and leveraging the application's legitimate file handling mechanisms against themselves.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2012-1226 requires minimal sophistication but can yield substantial damage. Attackers simply need to append directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to the affected parameters to navigate outside the intended document directories. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core file handling mechanisms of the application, allowing attackers to access files outside the web root directory. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization and inadequate path validation in the application's file access routines. Organizations using Dolibarr CMS version 3.2.0 Alpha should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper path normalization, and access control restrictions. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to a patched version of Dolibarr CMS, implementing proper parameter validation, and restricting file access permissions to prevent unauthorized file system access. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing directory traversal attacks, which remain a prevalent threat in web application security.