CVE-2012-5386 in phpPaleo
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in phpPaleo 4.8b180 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the phppaleo4_lang cookie, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-1671. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5386 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the phpPaleo content management system version 4.8b180. This security weakness exists within the index.php script and specifically targets the phppaleo4_lang cookie parameter, allowing remote attackers to exploit the system through manipulation of directory navigation sequences. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the .. (dot dot) sequence commonly used in path traversal attacks to move up directory levels and access files outside the intended application scope. Unlike CVE-2012-1671 which addresses a different vulnerability vector, this flaw specifically targets cookie-based input handling within the application's language selection mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the phppaleo4_lang cookie value before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious cookie value containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these sequences without adequate input filtering, potentially allowing access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other locally stored resources that should remain protected from external access. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The weakness creates an environment where arbitrary file inclusion becomes possible, potentially enabling attackers to execute malicious code or extract confidential information from the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to access critical system files, database configuration details, or application source code that may contain sensitive credentials or implementation details. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the weakness, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through file inclusion mechanisms, and represents a path traversal attack pattern that can lead to privilege escalation and further system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the application's cookie handling logic. The most effective approach involves implementing strict validation of all cookie values to prevent the inclusion of directory traversal sequences, particularly the .. character sequences that enable path traversal. Organizations should implement proper input filtering that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters from user-supplied data before processing. Additionally, the application should employ a whitelist-based approach for language selection, only allowing predefined, safe language identifiers rather than accepting arbitrary values from cookies. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious cookie values containing directory traversal patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in preventing path traversal attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards for secure web application development. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components that may be susceptible to the same class of attacks.