CVE-2012-5224 in vBadvanced CMPS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in vb/includes/vba_cmps_include_bottom.php in vBadvanced CMPS 3.2.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pages[template] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5224 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the vBadvanced CMPS 3.2.2 content management system, specifically affecting the vb/includes/vba_cmps_include_bottom.php component. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the pages[template] parameter, which is used to include template files during the rendering process. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and buffer injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL that gets passed through the pages[template] parameter, enabling the inclusion of remote files from attacker-controlled servers. When the vulnerable application processes this input, it directly incorporates the specified URL into the include statement without proper validation, allowing the execution of PHP code from external sources. The attack vector leverages the application's trust in user input, where the system assumes that the provided template path is safe and legitimate. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference combined with improper input validation, creating a pathway for remote code execution that can be exploited from any location with network access to the vulnerable system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying or deleting content, and establishing persistent backdoors for future access. The vulnerability affects all versions of vBadvanced CMPS up to and including version 3.2.2, making it a widespread concern for organizations using this content management system. The implications extend beyond immediate code execution, as attackers can leverage this initial foothold to perform reconnaissance, escalate privileges, and move laterally within the network infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically involves leveraging existing web server processes and potentially legitimate administrative accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5224 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of vBadvanced CMPS, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should also implement input validation controls that reject any non-expected characters or patterns in the pages[template] parameter, ensuring that only predefined, safe template paths are accepted. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious requests containing potentially malicious URLs. Security configurations should disable remote file inclusion capabilities within the application, and administrators should regularly audit file inclusion patterns to prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of principle of least privilege and input sanitization, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 2021, where proper validation and sanitization of all user inputs should be implemented to prevent such critical vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.