CVE-2012-6313 in 1.1.3
Summary
by MITRE
simple-gmail-login.php in the Simple Gmail Login plugin before 1.1.4 for WordPress allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a request that lacks a timezone, leading to disclosure of the installation path in a stack trace.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6313 affects the Simple Gmail Login plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions prior to 1.1.4. This issue represents a sensitive data exposure vulnerability that occurs when the plugin processes requests lacking timezone information. The flaw manifests in the form of a stack trace that inadvertently reveals the WordPress installation path, creating a significant information disclosure risk for affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the simple-gmail-login.php script. When a remote attacker submits a request without providing timezone data, the plugin fails to properly handle this missing parameter, resulting in an exception being thrown. This exception generates a stack trace that contains the full file path of the WordPress installation, effectively exposing the server's directory structure to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-200 Information Exposure, where the system inadvertently reveals sensitive information through error messages or stack traces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed installation path provides attackers with critical system layout information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. Knowledge of the WordPress installation directory structure enables attackers to craft more targeted exploitation attempts, potentially leading to further compromise of the WordPress installation. This information disclosure vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to map the server environment, identify potential attack vectors, and plan more sophisticated attacks against the affected WordPress site.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is relatively broad, as it affects any WordPress installation running the Simple Gmail Login plugin version 1.1.3 or earlier. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 Exploitation for Credential Access, where attackers can leverage information disclosure to facilitate further compromise. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as the exposed paths provide attackers with detailed information about the file system structure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6313 primarily involve upgrading to the patched version 1.1.4 of the Simple Gmail Login plugin, which properly handles missing timezone parameters without exposing sensitive information. Additionally, administrators should implement proper error handling configurations that prevent stack traces from being displayed to end users, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten. Server-side configurations should be adjusted to suppress detailed error messages in production environments, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other WordPress plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in web applications, particularly those handling user-submitted data.