CVE-2012-1471 in ocPortal
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in catalogue_file.php in ocPortal before 7.1.6 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1471 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ocPortal content management system prior to version 7.1.6. This vulnerability exists in the catalogue_file.php script which processes file parameters without proper input validation, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The flaw specifically manifests when the file parameter contains .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse directory structures, enabling unauthorized file access that could expose sensitive system information.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by manipulating the file parameter to include directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. Attackers can exploit this weakness to read configuration files, source code, database credentials, and other sensitive information that should remain inaccessible to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system files that may contain database connection strings, administrative credentials, or application configuration details. When combined with other exploitation techniques, this vulnerability could potentially lead to complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not require local system access or credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 and T1566 tactics, specifically targeting file and directory discovery and exploitation of remote services. Organizations running affected versions of ocPortal face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise, particularly in environments where the CMS is used for sensitive data management or contains proprietary information. The vulnerability's presence in the catalogue_file.php script suggests that it may be part of a broader file management system that could be similarly affected by improper input validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1471 should include immediate upgrade to ocPortal version 7.1.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including the use of allowlists for file access parameters and proper path normalization techniques. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against directory traversal and related file access vulnerabilities.