CVE-2012-4177 in Uplay Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The web browser plugin for Ubisoft Uplay PC before 2.0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via the -orbit_exe_path command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4177 affects the web browser plugin component of Ubisoft Uplay PC software prior to version 2.0.4. This issue represents a command injection flaw that arises from inadequate input validation within the plugin's handling of command line arguments. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the -orbit_exe_path parameter, which is processed without proper sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input when processing command line parameters. When the plugin receives the -orbit_exe_path argument, it directly incorporates this value into system execution contexts without appropriate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This design flaw allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary executable commands that will be executed with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as a 'Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component' and specifically relates to CWE-94 which addresses 'Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')'.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities on affected systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users may be running affected Uplay plugin versions. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python' and T1059.001 for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell', as the exploitation involves injecting executable code through command line interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4177 primarily focus on updating to the patched version of Ubisoft Uplay PC 2.0.4 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in the web browser plugin. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to prevent access to potentially malicious websites that could host exploit payloads, particularly those targeting the Uplay plugin. Additional defensive measures include disabling the affected plugin when not actively needed, implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized programs, and monitoring system logs for suspicious command execution patterns. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious command line argument patterns and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.