CVE-2012-0319 in Movable Type Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
The file-management system in Movable Type before 4.38, 5.0x before 5.07, and 5.1x before 5.13 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands by leveraging the file-upload feature, related to an "OS Command Injection" issue.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0319 represents a critical operating system command injection flaw within the file management system of Movable Type content management platforms. This security weakness affects multiple versions of the software including Movable Type 4.38 and earlier, 5.0x versions prior to 5.07, and 5.1x versions before 5.13. The flaw specifically exploits the file upload functionality to enable authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file handling processes, creating a pathway for malicious command execution that bypasses normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file upload parameters and associated processing logic within the Movable Type platform. When authenticated users upload files through the system, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the file names and associated metadata, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed by the operating system. This command injection occurs during the file processing phase, where the system's file management routines do not adequately separate user input from executable code, creating an environment where attacker-controlled commands can be interpreted and executed with the privileges of the web application process. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77, which specifically addresses OS Command Injection, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0319 extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with significant system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms within the affected environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, install malware, modify system configurations, or access sensitive data stored within the application's file management system. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers need valid credentials to exploit the vulnerability, but once compromised, the access level granted can be substantial, particularly if the web application runs with elevated privileges. Organizations running affected versions of Movable Type face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats and lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0319 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of Movable Type. Organizations must ensure all instances of the software are updated to versions 4.38, 5.07, or 5.13 respectively, as these releases contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can provide defense-in-depth protection, though patching remains the primary recommended solution. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of credential compromise, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous file upload activities and command execution patterns. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to account for this type of vulnerability, ensuring rapid detection and remediation capabilities are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing proper security controls around file handling and user input processing.