CVE-2012-4253 in MySQLDumper
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in MySQLDumper 1.24.4 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) language parameter to learn/cubemail/install.php or (2) f parameter learn/cubemail/filemanagement.php, or execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the (3) config parameter to learn/cubemail/menu.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The CVE-2012-4253 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting MySQLDumper 1.24.4, specifically targeting the learn/cubemail component of the application. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application's parameter handling logic, allowing remote attackers to manipulate file paths through maliciously crafted directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. The flaw manifests in three distinct attack vectors within the application's file management and configuration interfaces, creating multiple entry points for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper sanitization of user-supplied input parameters in three specific PHP scripts. In the first vector, the language parameter in learn/cubemail/install.php accepts directory traversal sequences that can be used to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem. The second vector operates through the f parameter in learn/cubemail/filemanagement.php, where similar path manipulation techniques enable attackers to access unauthorized file contents. The third and most severe vector involves the config parameter in learn/cubemail/menu.php, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary local files through directory traversal attacks, potentially leading to complete system compromise. These vulnerabilities align with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4253 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially execute malicious code on the target system. Remote attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server. The ability to execute arbitrary local files through the config parameter creates a severe escalation path that could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, modify application behavior, or extract additional sensitive information from the compromised system. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script injection and T1083 for file and directory traversal, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the threat.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the MySQLDumper application to version 1.24.5 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should implement proper parameter sanitization and input validation across all web application interfaces, particularly focusing on file path handling and user input processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive logging of file access attempts and monitoring for suspicious directory traversal patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, while maintaining strict access controls and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.