CVE-2012-3399 in Basilic
Summary
by MITRE
Config/diff.php in Basilic 1.5.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the file parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3399 resides within the Basilic content management system version 1.5.14, specifically in the Config/diff.php component. This flaw represents a critical command injection vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the file parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that get interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection pattern where the application constructs system commands using unsanitized input from the file parameter. When an attacker supplies shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks within the file parameter, these characters are interpreted by the shell and executed with the privileges of the web application. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, representing a critical threat to system integrity and confidentiality. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the vulnerable web application. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries execute commands through the command-line interface. The implications extend beyond immediate system compromise, as attackers can establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3399 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly parameters passed to system commands. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and avoid direct concatenation of user input into system command execution contexts. The recommended approach involves using whitelisting techniques to restrict input to predefined safe values or employing proper escaping mechanisms for shell commands. Additionally, the affected Basilic 1.5.14 system should be upgraded to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original software version contains no built-in protections against such injection attacks. System administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and access controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive security testing to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the application, particularly those handling file operations or system command execution. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web application accounts and regular security audits to identify and remediate similar injection vulnerabilities in other software components.