CVE-2012-5357 in Ektron CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Ektron Content Management System (CMS) before 8.02 SP5 uses the XslCompiledTransform class with enablescript set to true, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with NETWORK SERVICE privileges via crafted XSL data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5357 affects the Ektron Content Management System version 8.02 SP4 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper handling of XSL transformations. This issue stems from the application's use of the XslCompiledTransform class with the enablescript parameter set to true, creating a dangerous execution environment where malicious actors can manipulate XSL data to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of XML processing and code execution, exploiting the inherent capabilities of XSLT transformations to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
The technical flaw manifests when the Ektron CMS processes XSLT files that contain embedded script elements, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the context of the NETWORK SERVICE account. This account typically has limited privileges but still provides access to network resources and local system functions. The XslCompiledTransform class in .NET Framework, when configured with enablescript=true, permits the execution of script blocks within XSLT documents, creating a path for remote code execution. This configuration directly violates security best practices and aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing code to be executed as a result of untrusted data being processed through interpreted languages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with NETWORK SERVICE privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation does not require local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (XSL Scripting) and T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation, though limited in this case due to NETWORK SERVICE constraints), representing a significant threat to application security and data integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5357 primarily focus on upgrading to Ektron CMS version 8.02 SP5 or later, which addresses the vulnerable XslCompiledTransform configuration. Organizations should also implement strict input validation and sanitization for all XSLT processing, disable script execution in XSLT transformations when possible, and consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual XSLT processing activities and potential code injection attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices when dealing with XML processing and transformation technologies, particularly in enterprise content management systems where the attack surface can be extensive and the potential impact significant.