CVE-2012-2968 in Resin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Caucho Quercus, as distributed in Resin before 4.0.29, allows remote attackers to create files in arbitrary directories via a .. (dot dot) in a pathname within an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2968 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Caucho Quercus, a php implementation designed for use with the Resin application server. This weakness exists in versions prior to 4.0.29 and exposes systems to potential remote exploitation by malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to server file systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize pathname components within HTTP requests, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate file system operations through carefully crafted requests containing directory traversal sequences.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Quercus engine's file handling routines. When an HTTP request contains a pathname with .. (dot dot) sequences, the application does not adequately filter or sanitize these components before processing file operations. This allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and potentially create, modify, or access files in arbitrary locations within the server's file system. The flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute malicious operations across the entire file system.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2968 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, execute arbitrary code, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning for web applications running on Resin servers, as it provides a straightforward method for bypassing typical security boundaries. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation often involves executing commands through compromised file system access. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 for credential access through exploitation of web applications, as attackers can use the directory traversal to access sensitive configuration files or user credentials stored on the server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2968 primarily focus on upgrading to Resin version 4.0.29 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application stack, configuring web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, and applying restrictive file system permissions to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file system access patterns and attempts to create files in unexpected directories. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation principles as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly focusing on preventing path traversal attacks through proper sanitization of user-supplied data.