CVE-2012-2982 in Webmin
Summary
by MITRE
file/show.cgi in Webmin 1.590 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via an invalid character in a pathname, as demonstrated by a | (pipe) character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2982 affects Webmin versions 1.590 and earlier, specifically within the file/show.cgi component of the web-based system administration tool. This represents a critical command injection flaw that exploits improper input validation mechanisms within the file handling functionality. The vulnerability arises from the software's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied pathnames, creating an opportunity for malicious command execution through crafted input sequences.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated users submit pathnames containing invalid characters, particularly the pipe character |, which is interpreted by the underlying shell as a command separator. This allows attackers to append arbitrary commands that will be executed with the privileges of the Webmin service account. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization processes that should have filtered out potentially dangerous characters before processing file paths. According to CWE-77, this corresponds to a command injection vulnerability where untrusted data is incorporated into shell commands without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote authenticated attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. An attacker who has gained valid authentication credentials can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, access sensitive system information, compromise other services, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects systems where Webmin is installed and configured with default settings, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is granted to multiple users. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of shell commands through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of Webmin to version 1.591 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in file/show.cgi. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Webmin interfaces, enforce strict access controls, and monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and ensuring that administrative interfaces are not exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in system administration tools, as well as the critical need for timely security updates in web-based management interfaces.