CVE-2012-5195 in Perl
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Perl_repeatcpy function in util.c in Perl 5.12.x before 5.12.5, 5.14.x before 5.14.3, and 5.15.x before 15.15.5 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption and crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via the x string repeat operator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5195 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting multiple versions of the Perl programming language. This flaw resides within the Perl_repeatcpy function located in the util.c source file, specifically manifesting in Perl versions 5.12.x prior to 5.12.5, 5.14.x prior to 5.14.3, and 5.15.x prior to 5.15.15. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through the x string repeat operator, which is a fundamental feature of Perl's string manipulation capabilities. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-122, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Perl processes string repetition operations using the x operator, which repeats a string a specified number of times. During this process, the Perl_repeatcpy function fails to properly validate the length of the repeated string, allowing an attacker to provide input that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This condition creates a scenario where memory corruption can occur, potentially leading to unpredictable program behavior, memory exhaustion, or in the most severe cases, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that exploitation requires specific conditions related to the input data and the execution environment, but once triggered, the impact can be devastating for systems running vulnerable Perl versions.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5195 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity breaches. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can cause applications to crash or consume excessive memory resources, effectively creating a denial of service condition that can impact availability. However, the more serious implications arise from the potential for arbitrary code execution, which could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Perl implementations. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in web applications, server environments, and any system where Perl scripts process untrusted input data. The vulnerability affects a wide range of applications including web servers, network services, and automated systems that rely on Perl for processing user input or data manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5195 primarily focus on immediate patching and version updates to ensure systems are running Perl versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should prioritize updating to Perl 5.12.5, 5.14.3, or 5.15.15 respectively, depending on their current version, as these releases contain the patched Perl_repeatcpy function that properly validates string repetition operations. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation measures to restrict the length and content of strings processed through the x operator, particularly in applications that handle untrusted data. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual memory consumption patterns or application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, making it a critical concern for organizations implementing defensive security measures. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs to prevent similar issues from compromising system security.