CVE-2012-1195 in Lenovo ThinkManagement Console
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in andesk/managementsuite/core/core.anonymous/ServerSetup.asmx in the ServerSetup web service in Lenovo ThinkManagement Console 9.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension via a PutUpdateFileCore command in a RunAMTCommand SOAP request, then accessing the file via a direct request to the file in the web root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1195 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within Lenovo ThinkManagement Console 9.0.3, specifically affecting the ServerSetup web service component. This vulnerability exists in the path andesk/managementsuite/core/core.anonymous/ServerSetup.asmx where the system fails to properly validate file extensions during upload operations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is accessible through the PutUpdateFileCore command within a RunAMTCommand SOAP request, which provides a legitimate interface for system management but becomes a vector for malicious file uploads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web service layer. When a malicious user submits a file through the SOAP interface using the RunAMTCommand with PutUpdateFileCore command, the system does not properly verify the file type or extension before storing the file in the web root directory. This allows attackers to upload files with executable extensions such as .asp, .aspx, .php, or .jsp, which can then be executed directly by the web server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which specifically addresses the scenario where applications allow file uploads without proper validation of file contents or extensions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with persistent remote code execution capabilities on the target system. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can access it directly through HTTP requests to the web root, enabling them to execute commands, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the entire Lenovo ThinkManagement Console 9.0.3 deployment, making it a significant risk for organizations relying on this management platform. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information, compromise other network resources, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services and T1059 for executing commands through various payloads.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2012-1195 requires immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file type validation and extension filtering at the application level, ensuring that only approved file types are accepted for upload operations. The system should enforce mandatory file content verification rather than relying solely on extension checks, as attackers can easily rename malicious files to bypass simple extension-based restrictions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit direct access to the web root directory where uploaded files are stored. Additionally, the affected Lenovo ThinkManagement Console 9.0.3 should be updated to a patched version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file upload activities and direct access patterns to uploaded files. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary web services and implementing proper authentication controls to reduce the attack surface available to potential adversaries.