CVE-2012-5641 in CouchDB
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the partition2 function in mochiweb_util.erl in MochiWeb before 2.4.0, as used in Apache CouchDB before 1.0.4, 1.1.x before 1.1.2, and 1.2.x before 1.2.1, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2012-5641 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the MochiWeb web server library that affected multiple versions of Apache CouchDB. This security weakness resides in the partition2 function within the mochiweb_util.erl file, which processes URI parsing and path handling operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system encounters a ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequence in the default URI, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access patterns and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle backslash-based directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted HTTP requests that contain the ..\ sequence in the URI path, bypassing normal file access controls and enabling attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability affects the core file system access mechanisms within Apache CouchDB's web interface, where user-provided URI parameters are processed without sufficient validation to prevent malicious path manipulation attempts. Attackers can leverage this weakness to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially accessing configuration files, database contents, or other sensitive information that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5641 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system resources and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. In Apache CouchDB deployments, this vulnerability could allow unauthorized users to access database files, configuration settings, or other sensitive data stored on the server. The vulnerability affects multiple versions including Apache CouchDB 1.0.3 and earlier, 1.1.1 and earlier, and 1.2.0 and earlier, making it a widespread concern for organizations using these versions. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates at the web application level, requiring minimal privileges and potentially enabling full system compromise if sensitive files are accessible through the database interface.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Apache CouchDB, specifically versions 1.0.4, 1.1.2, and 1.2.1 respectively, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious URI patterns containing ..\ sequences. The remediation strategy should also include comprehensive input validation for all URI parameters, implementing proper path sanitization routines, and conducting regular security assessments of web application interfaces. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use this weakness to discover system files and potentially gain access to credentials or sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, regular security audits, and monitoring for anomalous file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.