Concept:
Let \( x \) be the side length of the cube, \( S \) be its total surface area, and \( V \) be its volume:
\[
S = 6x^2, \quad V = x^3
\]
We use the chain rule to relate their rates of change with respect to time \( t \).
Step 1: Finding the side rate of change \( \frac{dx}{dt} \).
Differentiating the surface area formula with respect to time:
\[
\frac{dS}{dt} = 12x \frac{dx}{dt}
\]
We are given \( \frac{dS}{dt} = 6 \) and the current side length \( x = 12 \) cm:
\[
6 = 12(12) \frac{dx}{dt} \implies 6 = 144 \frac{dx}{dt} \implies \frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{6}{144} = \frac{1}{24} \text{ cm/sec}
\]
Step 2: Calculating the rate of change of volume.
Differentiating the volume formula with respect to time:
\[
\frac{dV}{dt} = 3x^2 \frac{dx}{dt}
\]
Substitute \( x = 12 \) and \( \frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{1}{24} \):
\[
\frac{dV}{dt} = 3(12)^2 \left(\frac{1}{24}\right) = 3(144) \left(\frac{1}{24}\right) = 3 \times 6 = 18 \text{ c.c./sec}
\]
Let us re-verify option formatting keys. Under standardized base conversions, the calculation yields 18, matching option (C) perfectly.