CVE-2012-3347 in AutoFORM PDM Archive
Summary
by MITRE
AutoFORM PDM Archive before 7.0 implements user accounts in a way that allows for JMX Console authentication, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions via the /jmx-console URI, and then upload and execute arbitrary JSP code via a JBoss remote-deployment mechanism, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-1828.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3347 affects AutoFORM PDM Archive versions prior to 7.0, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from improper implementation of user account management within the application. This weakness creates an unintended pathway for authenticated attackers to circumvent access controls and gain elevated privileges within the system. The vulnerability specifically relates to the application's handling of JMX Console authentication mechanisms, which are typically used for monitoring and managing java applications but have been improperly exposed within the AutoFORM PDM Archive environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the /jmx-console URI, which serves as an entry point for attackers to bypass the intended access restrictions. This flaw represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the application fails to properly validate access permissions for administrative interfaces. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote authenticated users to leverage existing credentials to access sensitive administrative functions that should typically be restricted to authorized personnel only. This misconfiguration creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized system manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to upload and execute arbitrary JSP code through the JBoss remote-deployment mechanism. This capability transforms a simple access bypass into a full system compromise, allowing threat actors to execute malicious code, establish persistent backdoors, and potentially escalate their privileges further within the compromised environment. The attack vector leverages the legitimate deployment features of the JBoss application server to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging as the activities appear to be normal administrative operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a significant deviation from secure application design principles.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites, as it only necessitates valid user credentials to access the JMX Console interface. Once authenticated, attackers can utilize the remote-deployment capabilities to inject malicious code into the application server. This attack pattern demonstrates the importance of proper security configuration and the principle of least privilege in application design. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers execution through scripting, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts for maintaining access. Organizations using AutoFORM PDM Archive versions prior to 7.0 face significant risk of complete system compromise, as this vulnerability provides attackers with direct code execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3347 require immediate implementation of several security measures including updating to AutoFORM PDM Archive version 7.0 or later, which addresses this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate the JMX Console interfaces from external access, and proper firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to these administrative interfaces. Additionally, organizations should disable unnecessary JMX Console access and implement strong authentication controls including multi-factor authentication. Regular security audits should verify that administrative interfaces are properly configured and that access controls are functioning as intended. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious activities related to JMX Console access and deployment operations, as these activities may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also review and validate user permissions to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to administrative functions, thereby reducing the attack surface and limiting potential damage from similar vulnerabilities.