CVE-2012-10040 in Openfiler
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2025
Openfiler v2.x contains a command injection vulnerability in the system.html page. The device parameter is used to instantiate a NetworkCard object, whose constructor in network.inc calls exec() with unsanitized input. An authenticated attacker can exploit this to execute arbitrary commands as the openfiler user. Due to misconfigured sudoers, the openfiler user can escalate privileges to root via sudo /bin/bash without a password.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-10040 resides within Openfiler version 2.x, a network-attached storage solution that provides file sharing and storage management capabilities. This critical command injection flaw exists in the system.html page where user-supplied input is improperly handled, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability stems from the device parameter which is directly passed to instantiate a NetworkCard object, triggering a cascade of insecure operations that ultimately leads to arbitrary code execution. The flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that allows an attacker to execute system commands with the privileges of the openfiler user account, which operates with elevated permissions within the system context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern where user input flows directly into system execution functions without proper sanitization or validation. The network.inc file contains the constructor for the NetworkCard object that calls the exec() function with unsanitized device parameter input. This represents a CWE-77 vulnerability category, specifically command injection, where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without adequate protection mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of sanitizing all user-supplied data before it is processed by system execution functions. The vulnerability affects the core system functionality by allowing an authenticated attacker to manipulate the underlying system commands that are executed, thereby bypassing normal access controls and authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to include privilege escalation capabilities that significantly amplify the threat level. An authenticated attacker who successfully exploits the initial command injection can leverage the misconfigured sudoers file to escalate privileges from the openfiler user to root access without requiring additional authentication. This privilege escalation occurs because the openfiler user has been configured with sudo permissions that allow execution of /bin/bash without password prompts, creating a dangerous escalation path that effectively grants full system control. The combination of command injection and privilege escalation creates a severe threat vector that allows an attacker to completely compromise the system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or complete network takeover. This vulnerability effectively eliminates the distinction between user access and administrative control within the Openfiler environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate command injection flaw and the underlying privilege escalation issue. The primary fix involves implementing proper input sanitization and validation within the network.inc file to prevent user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into system execution commands. This includes using parameterized inputs, input filtering, and proper escaping mechanisms to neutralize malicious payloads. Additionally, the sudoers configuration must be corrected to remove the dangerous passwordless escalation permissions for the openfiler user, implementing proper authentication requirements for privilege elevation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of the vulnerable Openfiler system and monitor for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, and T1068 for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for enterprise security postures and compliance requirements.