CVE-2012-6652 in Page Flip Book Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in pageflipbook.php script from index.php in Page Flip Book plugin for WordPress (wppageflip) allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the pageflipbook_language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6652 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Page Flip Book plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting the wppageflip plugin version. This issue manifests in the pageflipbook.php script which is invoked through index.php, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit local file inclusion vulnerabilities. The flaw occurs when the pageflipbook_language parameter accepts directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. According to CWE-22, this vulnerability falls under the category of improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector enables remote code execution through the inclusion of arbitrary local files, making it a severe threat to WordPress installations that utilize this vulnerable plugin.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of the pageflipbook_language parameter to include files outside the intended directory scope. Attackers can leverage directory traversal sequences such as ..%2F or similar encoded variations to navigate up the directory tree and access files that should remain protected. This flaw directly enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system by including local files that contain malicious payloads. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially allow attackers to read sensitive configuration files, access database credentials, or even upload and execute backdoor scripts. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress installations that do not properly restrict file access or implement adequate input validation measures. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through script-based attacks and T1566 for initial access through web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6652 poses significant risks to WordPress environments, particularly those running the affected wppageflip plugin version. Organizations may experience complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability can facilitate the installation of malware, backdoors, or other malicious software that persists even after the initial exploit is mitigated. WordPress administrators may find their sites defaced, compromised, or used as part of botnet operations. The attack surface is particularly broad as the vulnerability affects any WordPress installation using the specific plugin version, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. Security professionals must consider the potential for cascading effects, where exploitation of this vulnerability leads to further compromise of the underlying server infrastructure and associated systems. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements for organizations that must maintain data protection standards, as unauthorized access to system files could result in regulatory violations and financial penalties.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6652 require immediate action to address the vulnerable plugin installation and implement broader security controls. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the Page Flip Book plugin to a version that properly sanitizes input parameters and implements proper file path validation. Administrators should also implement input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering of directory traversal sequences and proper access controls for file operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts by monitoring for suspicious parameter values containing directory traversal sequences. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins or themes. The implementation of principle of least privilege for file system access and proper logging of file access operations can help detect unauthorized attempts to exploit such vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should maintain up-to-date backups and incident response procedures to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping all WordPress components updated and following secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future.