CVE-2012-6710 in eXtplorer
Summary
by MITRE
ext_find_user in eXtplorer through 2.1.2 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via a password[]= (aka an empty array) in an action=login request to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2012-6710 affects eXtplorer versions 2.1.2 and earlier, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the system. This issue specifically targets the ext_find_user function within the application's authentication mechanism, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to exploit a weakness in the login process. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker submits a specially crafted request containing password[]= as an empty array parameter, which the system fails to properly validate during authentication checks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure handling of array inputs within the authentication routine. When the application processes the action=login request to index.php, it does not adequately validate or sanitize the password parameter when it is submitted as an array rather than a standard string. This allows attackers to manipulate the authentication flow by providing an empty array for the password field, effectively bypassing the normal password verification process. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of proper parameter validation in security-critical functions.
This authentication bypass vulnerability carries significant operational impact as it allows remote attackers to access the eXtplorer file management system without proper credentials. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized file operations including uploading malicious files, downloading sensitive data, modifying existing files, or deleting critical system components. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no prior authentication and can be exploited over the network, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise web applications. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it can lead to full system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to authentication bypass scenarios. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1110.003 (Password Policy Violation) and T1078.004 (Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts) when attackers exploit the bypass to gain persistent access. Organizations should immediately upgrade to eXtplorer version 2.1.3 or later where this vulnerability has been patched, implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the application, and conduct thorough security assessments of all authentication mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should review and harden authentication configurations, implement proper input validation for all user-supplied data, and consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious login attempts.