CVE-2011-3587 in Zope
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Zope 2.12.x and 2.13.x, as used in Plone 4.0.x through 4.0.9, 4.1, and 4.2 through 4.2a2, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via vectors related to the p_ class in OFS/misc_.py and the use of Python modules.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3587 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Zope application server framework that was widely deployed in content management systems including Plone. This vulnerability specifically affects Zope versions 2.12.x and 2.13.x, with impacted Plone versions ranging from 4.0.x through 4.0.9, 4.1, and 4.2 through 4.2a2. The flaw resides in the OFS/misc_.py module where the p_ class handles certain Python module operations, creating an attack surface that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of Python module references within the Zope object management framework, allowing attackers to manipulate object attributes and invoke code execution through specially crafted requests.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls under the broader category of command injection attacks. The flaw operates through the manipulation of Python's object attribute system where the p_ class in OFS/misc_.py processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that leverage the Python module system to execute arbitrary code on the target server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows complete system compromise, enabling attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected Zope/Plone installations. The attack vector typically involves sending specially formatted HTTP requests that trigger the vulnerable code path, where the system processes user input through the p_ class and subsequently executes the malicious code within the Python interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3587 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides remote attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Organizations running affected Zope and Plone installations face significant risks including data exfiltration, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Security professionals have documented numerous instances where this vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild, with attackers using it to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive information, and deploy additional malware. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage for affected organizations. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete takeover of web applications, allowing attackers to modify content, steal user credentials, and access confidential data stored within the Zope/Plone environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3587 require immediate patching of affected systems with the latest security updates provided by the Zope and Plone development teams. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to Zope/Plone installations, particularly by blocking unnecessary ports and implementing strict firewall rules. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running Zope applications with minimal required permissions and avoiding execution as root or administrator accounts. Input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened throughout the application stack, with particular attention to how user-supplied data is processed within the OFS/misc_.py module. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of requests that might indicate exploitation attempts, and organizations should implement intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the broader application ecosystem, ensuring that the mitigation measures remain effective against evolving attack techniques.