CVE-2012-5169 in AContent
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in file_manager/preview_top.php in ATutor AContent before 1.2-2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) pathext, (2) popup, (3) framed, or (4) file parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2012-5169 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in ATutor AContent version 1.2-2 and earlier, specifically within the file_manager/preview_top.php component. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution risks where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content through four distinct parameter vectors including pathext, popup, framed, and file parameters. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web responses.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications. The attack vector allows remote adversaries to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized data manipulation. The specific parameters mentioned in the vulnerability description represent common injection points where user input is directly incorporated into dynamic web content without proper sanitization. The impact is particularly severe because ATutor AContent is a learning management system used in educational institutions, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to compromise educational environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform persistent XSS attacks that may remain undetected for extended periods. When exploited, these vulnerabilities can allow attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or modify the content displayed to authenticated users. The vulnerability affects the preview functionality of the file manager, which means that any user with access to the file management system could potentially be targeted. This creates a significant risk for educational institutions that rely on ATutor for content delivery and user management, as attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive learning materials or user data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5169 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should immediately upgrade to ATutor AContent version 1.2-2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper parameter sanitization techniques that validate and filter all user-supplied input before processing. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual parameter patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the application's codebase. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on the prevention of injection flaws and the implementation of proper input validation controls. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.