CVE-2012-4997 in AneCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in acp/index.php in AneCMS allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the p parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The CVE-2012-4997 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the AneCMS content management system that exposes the application to remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically affects the acp/index.php file which serves as the administrative control panel interface, making it particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The flaw exists due to inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input in the p parameter, which controls the page inclusion mechanism within the application's administrative interface. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or ../, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before using them in file inclusion operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-94 Code Injection categories, where attackers can manipulate file path resolution to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability enables remote code execution because the application's file inclusion mechanism does not properly restrict the paths that can be accessed through the p parameter, allowing attackers to traverse up the directory structure and access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, or even system files that could contain executable code. This flaw operates under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 Phishing with Malicious Attachment, where attackers can leverage the directory traversal to include malicious files that then execute with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to administrative panels, data exfiltration, modification of critical system files, or even the complete takeover of the web server hosting the AneCMS application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative control panel, which typically has elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources. Organizations using AneCMS versions affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, especially if the application handles sensitive user data or financial information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4997 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed in the p parameter. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or ../ before they can be used in file operations. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed, and application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems can be configured to detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code review to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles.