CVE-2012-4919 in Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Gallery Plugin1.4 for WordPress has a Remote File Include Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The CVE-2012-4919 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in Gallery Plugin version 1.4 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's parameter handling where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation. This flaw exists in the plugin's core functionality that processes user requests and dynamically includes files based on specified parameters, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers to upload malicious files or execute commands on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input parameters that are then processed by the vulnerable plugin code. The flaw typically manifests in the way the plugin handles file paths or includes, where unsanitized user input is directly used in include or require statements. Attackers can manipulate these parameters to reference malicious files hosted on remote servers, effectively bypassing local file access restrictions and gaining unauthorized execution capabilities. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of Code Injection, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through improper input handling. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote file inclusion attacks to execute malicious code on target systems, making it particularly relevant to threat actors seeking persistent access and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4919 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations running vulnerable WordPress installations become susceptible to various attack vectors including data theft, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Additionally, the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, install malware, or perform further reconnaissance activities against the compromised system. The attack surface is broad as WordPress installations with this plugin remain vulnerable regardless of the underlying server configuration, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and botnets seeking to compromise web applications at scale.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4919 require immediate action including the mandatory upgrade to patched versions of the Gallery Plugin or complete removal of the vulnerable plugin from affected WordPress installations. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications, following secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for exploitation attempts and blocking malicious requests. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across all web applications and plugins within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process must also include monitoring for signs of compromise and implementing proper access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should maintain updated security patches and establish robust incident response procedures to effectively handle potential exploitation attempts and minimize the overall impact of such vulnerabilities on their digital infrastructure.