CVE-2012-5907 in TomatoCart
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in json.php in TomatoCart 1.2.0 Alpha 2 and possibly earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the module parameter in a "3" action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5907 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the TomatoCart e-commerce platform version 1.2.0 Alpha 2 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability exists in the json.php script which processes module parameters during a "3" action, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the module parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse directory structures. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is classified as a path traversal attack that can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, and other system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious module parameter containing directory traversal sequences to the json.php endpoint. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file operations, allowing the attacker to navigate outside of the intended directory scope and access files that should remain protected. This vulnerability specifically affects the "3" action within the json.php script, suggesting that the application uses different actions for different functionalities and that this particular action is susceptible to path traversal attacks. The impact extends beyond simple file reading, as attackers could potentially access sensitive configuration files, application source code, and other resources that could aid in further exploitation or system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using affected versions of TomatoCart, as it enables remote code execution capabilities through file inclusion attacks or privilege escalation scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information such as database connection strings, administrator credentials, and other system configuration details that could be used for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1083 - File and Directory Discovery and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables attackers to discover system files and potentially gain access to sensitive information that could be used for social engineering attacks. The vulnerability also maps to T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, as it allows unauthorized access to repositories of sensitive data that should be protected within the application's directory structure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5907 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. Organizations should implement proper path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed, ensuring that all file operations occur within designated safe directories. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation that filters out or rejects any sequences containing .. characters in file path parameters, combined with absolute path resolution that prevents navigation outside of intended directories. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of TomatoCart that addresses this vulnerability, as the vendor likely released security patches to resolve the directory traversal issue. Security measures should also include implementing proper access controls and permissions that limit file system access to only necessary components, while maintaining regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and provide additional layers of protection against such attacks.