CVE-2012-4547 in AWStats
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in awredir.pl in AWStats before 7.1 has unknown impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4547 affects the awredir.pl component within AWStats versions prior to 7.1, representing a significant security concern that remains unspecified in its exact nature and exploitation methods. This issue resides within the redirection functionality of the AWStats web analytics tool, which is widely used for analyzing web server logs and generating detailed statistics about website traffic. The lack of specific details in the original description suggests either a complex or subtle flaw that may have been difficult to categorize or that the vulnerability was discovered through indirect means rather than direct code analysis. The affected awredir.pl script likely handles URL redirections or parameter processing within the AWStats framework, making it a potential entry point for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system.
The technical nature of this unspecified vulnerability suggests it could involve several potential attack vectors including but not limited to input validation failures, path traversal issues, or improper handling of user-supplied data within the redirection mechanism. Such vulnerabilities typically fall under CWE categories related to improper input validation or insecure handling of redirects, which are commonly exploited in web application attacks. The vulnerability may have allowed attackers to manipulate the redirection behavior to redirect users to malicious websites or to access unauthorized resources within the system. Given that AWStats is designed to process and analyze web server logs, the vulnerability could potentially enable attackers to inject malicious parameters or manipulate the redirection logic to achieve unauthorized access or execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects the integrity and security posture of systems relying on AWStats for web analytics. Organizations using affected versions of AWStats could face risks including unauthorized redirection of users to phishing or malware distribution sites, potential data exfiltration through manipulated redirection paths, or even complete system compromise if the vulnerability allows for code execution. The attack vectors remain unknown, which complicates defensive measures and makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as security teams cannot properly prepare specific countermeasures. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to initial access through web application attacks and privilege escalation through web server manipulation, making it a serious concern for enterprise security.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2012-4547 requires immediate upgrading to AWStats version 7.1 or later, which would contain the necessary patches addressing the unspecified vulnerability. Security administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect any suspicious redirection patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include restricting access to the awredir.pl script through web server configuration, implementing proper input validation for all parameters, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications using AWStats. Organizations should also review their web server configurations to ensure that the redirection functionality is properly secured and that no unnecessary permissions are granted to the AWStats components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping web applications updated and the potential risks associated with using outdated software components, particularly those handling user input or redirection functionality.