CVE-2012-6500 in Pragyan
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download.lib.php in Pragyan CMS 3.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the fileget parameter in a profile action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6500 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Pragyan Content Management System version 3.0 and earlier. This security weakness exists in the download.lib.php component and specifically affects the profile action functionality within the index.php file. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences within the fileget parameter, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal 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 flaw demonstrates how inadequate input filtering can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, potentially exposing critical files such as configuration databases, source code, or authentication credentials. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the vulnerable application's URL structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6500 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential gateway for further exploitation within the compromised system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could access not only user profile data but also system configuration files, database connection details, and potentially sensitive application logic. This access could enable more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, data manipulation, or the installation of malicious payloads. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the server or network infrastructure, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage scope.
Organizations utilizing Pragyan CMS versions 3.0 or earlier should immediately implement mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that prevents traversal sequences from being processed, along with employing secure coding practices such as whitelisting acceptable file paths and implementing proper access controls. Additionally, the use of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments), as attackers could leverage the vulnerability to discover and potentially exfiltrate sensitive files from the compromised system. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.