CVE-2012-4742 in PacketFence
Summary
by MITRE
The web_node_register function in web.pm in PacketFence before 3.0.2 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4742 affects PacketFence versions prior to 3.0.2, specifically targeting the web_node_register function within the web.pm module. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that could enable malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. PacketFence is a comprehensive network access control solution that manages network connectivity and authentication for enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could compromise entire network security infrastructures. The unspecified vectors in the original description suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple attack pathways, potentially including malformed HTTP requests, improper input validation, or insecure parameter handling within the web interface.
The technical flaw resides in the web_node_register function which likely fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before processing it within the web application context. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The function appears to directly incorporate user-provided data into executable code paths without adequate security controls, creating a classic remote code execution vulnerability. Attackers could potentially manipulate parameters passed to this function to inject malicious code that would then be executed by the web server processing the request. The vulnerability's classification as remote indicates that exploitation does not require physical access or local privileges, making it accessible from any network location.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected PacketFence server. This could lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and complete compromise of the network access control system. Organizations relying on PacketFence for security enforcement would face severe consequences including unauthorized device registration, bypass of authentication mechanisms, and potential disruption of legitimate network services. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PacketFence typically operates as a central network security component, meaning a successful exploit could provide attackers with a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to manipulate network policies, create backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launching point for additional attacks against other network components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4742 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected PacketFence installations to version 3.0.2 or later, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of PacketFence servers to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include monitoring web application logs for suspicious activity, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting thorough security assessments of the web interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper code sanitization practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address remote code execution vulnerabilities in network security infrastructure.