CVE-2012-6522 in w-CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the getContent function in codes/wcms.php in w-CMS 2.01 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the p parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6522 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the w-CMS 2.01 content management system, specifically affecting the getContent function located in the codes/wcms.php file. This weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the p parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, effectively bypassing intended file access restrictions and potentially exposing sensitive system information. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the content retrieval mechanism, allowing malicious actors to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the p parameter in the getContent function, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it to construct file paths. When an attacker submits a request containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts, the application processes these inputs without sufficient validation, resulting in the unintended exposure of system files that reside outside the designated content directories. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized file access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the potential to access sensitive system files including configuration data, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Attackers could potentially access critical system files such as password hashes, database connection strings, or application configuration files that contain sensitive authentication details. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous as it can be targeted from anywhere on the internet. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through directory traversal attacks, and T1566, which involves the exploitation of remote services to gain access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6522 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed within file path operations. The most effective approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only allows specific, predefined file paths or content identifiers, rather than accepting arbitrary user input for file operations. Additionally, developers should implement proper path normalization and canonicalization techniques that resolve all relative paths to their absolute equivalents, ensuring that any directory traversal sequences are properly handled. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in web applications that handle file operations, and serves as a reminder of the necessity for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in application code.