CVE-2012-10054 in Umbraco
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2025
Umbraco CMS versions prior to 4.7.1 are vulnerable to unauthenticated remote code execution via the codeEditorSave.asmx SOAP endpoint, which exposes a SaveDLRScript operation that permits arbitrary file uploads without authentication. By exploiting a path traversal flaw in the fileName parameter, attackers can write malicious ASPX scripts directly into the web-accessible /umbraco/ directory and execute them remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-10054 affects Umbraco CMS versions prior to 4.7.1 and represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated remote code execution through the codeEditorSave.asmx SOAP endpoint. This endpoint exposes a SaveDLRScript operation that allows arbitrary file uploads without proper authentication mechanisms, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors. The flaw specifically resides in the fileName parameter handling within the codeEditorSave.asmx endpoint, which lacks adequate input validation and sanitization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as Path Traversal, where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before using it to access files or directories on the server. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that leverage directory traversal techniques to write files into the web-accessible /umbraco/ directory. This particular flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a publicly accessible web service endpoint.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely since the SaveDLRScript operation does not require valid credentials to execute. The path traversal flaw in the fileName parameter enables attackers to manipulate the file system path and write malicious ASPX scripts directly into the web root directory. Once the malicious script is uploaded, it becomes immediately executable through web requests, providing attackers with persistent remote code execution capabilities. The impact extends beyond simple file upload since the uploaded files are placed in a directory that is directly accessible via the web server, eliminating the need for additional exploitation steps to achieve code execution. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with no prior access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it represents a direct path to system compromise without requiring any authentication credentials or privileged access.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-10054 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Umbraco CMS by allowing unauthorized modifications to the web application's file system, which can result in service disruption, data corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Umbraco CMS face significant risk of unauthorized access, as the exploit requires no authentication and can be executed from any location with network access to the target system. The attack surface is broad since any system running affected Umbraco versions and exposing the codeEditorSave.asmx endpoint is potentially vulnerable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-10054 primarily focus on immediate patching and configuration hardening. Organizations should upgrade to Umbraco CMS version 4.7.1 or later, which includes proper authentication checks and input validation for the SaveDLRScript operation. Network-level protections should include firewall rules that restrict access to the codeEditorSave.asmx endpoint, particularly if it is not required for legitimate operations. The implementation of web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability by monitoring for suspicious path traversal patterns. Input validation should be implemented at the application level to sanitize all user-supplied data, particularly parameters that are used to construct file paths or names. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication for administrative endpoints can prevent unauthorized access to the code editor functionality. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that all endpoints are properly secured against path traversal attacks. The remediation process should include monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized file modifications.