CVE-2012-5331 in asaanCart
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in asaanCart 0.9 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the page parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The CVE-2012-5331 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the asaanCart 0.9 e-commerce platform that exposes systems to remote code execution and data compromise. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the page parameter of the index.php script, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate file paths to access arbitrary local files on the server. The vulnerability specifically leverages the .. (dot dot) sequence to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended web root, fundamentally undermining the application's security boundaries and file access controls.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's file inclusion mechanism. When the page parameter is processed without proper security checks, the system directly incorporates user-provided values into file path constructions, enabling attackers to craft malicious URLs that bypass normal access controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user data, and potentially gain full system control. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as attackers could not only read sensitive files but also modify system components, install backdoors, or disrupt services. This type of attack aligns with the attack technique T1059 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting remote code execution through web application vulnerabilities, and represents a common vector for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5331 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Additionally, developers should employ secure coding practices including whitelisting acceptable file parameters, implementing proper access controls, and utilizing safe file inclusion functions that prevent path manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal attempts, while ensuring that the affected asaanCart 0.9 platform is updated to a patched version or replaced with a more secure alternative. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, as directory traversal issues remain prevalent in legacy web applications and represent a fundamental security gap in many systems.