CVE-2012-1497 in Movable Type Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Movable Type before 4.38, 5.0x before 5.07, and 5.1x before 5.13 supports the "mt:Include file=" attribute, which allows remote authenticated users to conduct directory traversal attacks and read arbitrary files by leveraging the template-designer role.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1497 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Movable Type content management systems. This weakness affects multiple versions including Movable Type 4.38 and earlier, 5.0x versions prior to 5.07, and 5.1x versions before 5.13. The vulnerability stems from the default configuration that permits the use of the "mt:Include file=" attribute within templates, creating an exploitable path traversal condition that can be leveraged by authenticated users with specific privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the template-designer role, which grants users the ability to manipulate template files. When an attacker with this role accesses the template editor, they can utilize the mt:Include file= directive to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended template directories. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the file paths provided in the include attribute, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the legitimate template processing functionality, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it allows attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially database credentials stored in accessible locations. Remote authenticated users with template-designer privileges can systematically traverse the file system to discover and retrieve files that should remain protected, including but not limited to application configuration files, user data, and system logs. This capability enables attackers to gather intelligence about the system architecture, identify potential further attack vectors, and potentially escalate their privileges within the compromised environment.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique where attackers leverage existing access to move laterally within systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched versions of Movable Type, restricting template-designer roles to only trusted users, implementing proper file access controls, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of template processing functionalities. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous template file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that template processing capabilities are properly restricted and validated.