CVE-2012-1037 in GLPI
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in front/popup.php in GLPI 0.78 through 0.80.61 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sub_type parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1037 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the GLPI (Gestionnaire Libre de Parc Informatique) software ecosystem. This vulnerability affects versions 0.78 through 0.80.61 of the GLPI application, which is widely used for IT asset management and help desk operations. The flaw resides in the front/popup.php script, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit authenticated remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the sub_type parameter, creating an opening for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, command, or query. This particular flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious URLs through the sub_type parameter, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability requires authentication to exploit, meaning that an attacker must first gain valid credentials to the GLPI system, but once authenticated, they can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application. The attack vector operates through the web interface where the popup.php script processes user input without adequate sanitization, allowing the inclusion of remote files that contain malicious PHP code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing GLPI for their IT management needs. The successful exploitation of CVE-2012-1037 could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network. Given that GLPI is commonly used for managing sensitive IT infrastructure data, the impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system infiltration, and disruption of critical IT services. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of GLPI means that organizations across various environments were potentially exposed, making it a widespread concern for IT security teams responsible for maintaining multiple systems.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1037 should focus on immediate patching of affected GLPI versions to the latest stable releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized users have access to the GLPI application. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers, including application-level filtering and web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL patterns. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security auditing of the GLPI installation to identify any potential backdoors or unauthorized modifications that may have occurred during exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns of access to the front/popup.php script, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, which are commonly employed in such exploitation scenarios.