CVE-2012-6512 in Organizer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Organizer plugin 1.2.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via unspecified vectors to (1) plugin_hook.php, (2) page/index.php, (3) page/dir.php (4) page/options.php, (5) page/resize.php, (6) page/upload.php, (7) page/users.php, or (8) page/view.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6512 affects the Organizer plugin version 1.2.1 for WordPress, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system paths to remote attackers. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's core file handling mechanisms and affects multiple entry points including plugin_hook.php, page/index.php, page/dir.php, page/options.php, page/resize.php, page/upload.php, page/users.php, and page/view.php. The exposure of installation paths creates a significant security risk by providing attackers with crucial system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
The technical flaw stems from improper error handling and path disclosure mechanisms within the Organizer plugin's file processing routines. When these specific PHP files are accessed, they fail to properly sanitize or restrict path information in error messages or debug output, inadvertently revealing the complete file system path where WordPress is installed. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper error handling, making it a direct descendant of well-known information disclosure weaknesses. The vulnerability exists due to the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation and output sanitization, allowing attackers to probe various endpoints and extract system path information through unspecified vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with essential reconnaissance data that significantly reduces the attack surface for subsequent exploitation attempts. Once an attacker obtains the installation path, they can better tailor their attacks against the specific WordPress installation, potentially identifying version-specific vulnerabilities, file locations, and system configurations. This information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to perform directory traversal attacks, escalate privileges, or launch targeted attacks against the WordPress core or other installed plugins. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where the plugin is installed with default configurations, as attackers can systematically probe each of the eight affected files to gather comprehensive path information.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation). Attackers can leverage this information to plan more sophisticated attacks, potentially combining path disclosure with other vulnerabilities to achieve full system compromise. The exposure of installation paths also violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth, as it provides attackers with information that should remain hidden from external parties. Organizations using the affected Organizer plugin version face increased risk of targeted attacks, particularly in environments where multiple plugins are installed, as the disclosed paths can help attackers identify potential attack vectors across the entire WordPress ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6512 require immediate action including updating to the latest version of the Organizer plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing proper input validation across all plugin endpoints, and configuring web server error handling to prevent path disclosure in error messages. Security administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious access patterns to the vulnerable files, while conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other plugins or components that might expose similar information disclosure vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include disabling or removing the vulnerable plugin if an immediate update is not possible, as the risk of exploitation remains high given the straightforward nature of the attack vector.