CVE-2012-5485 in Plone
Summary
by MITRE
registerConfiglet.py in Plone before 4.2.3 and 4.3 before beta 1 allows remote attackers to execute Python code via unspecified vectors, related to the admin interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5485 affects the Plone content management system and represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the administrative interface. This vulnerability exists in registerConfiglet.py, a component responsible for managing configurationlets in Plone's admin interface. The issue allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Python code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability impacts Plone versions prior to 4.2.3 and 4.3 beta 1, making it a significant concern for organizations running these outdated versions.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the registerConfiglet.py script, which processes administrative configuration requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that bypasses security controls in the admin interface. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing code to be executed with the privileges of the affected application. This particular implementation allows attackers to inject and execute Python code directly within the Plone environment, leveraging the administrative interface as an attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected Plone versions. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the Plone installation, allowing them to modify content, access sensitive data, install malicious software, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or prior authentication credentials, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves executing code through command and scripting interpreters, and T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials used for persistence and privilege escalation.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary and most effective mitigation is to upgrade to Plone versions 4.2.3 or later, or 4.3 beta 1 and newer, where the vulnerability has been patched. Security administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the administrative interface, restrict access based on IP addresses, and employ additional authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication. Additionally, monitoring for unusual administrative activity and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 and ISO 27001 controls for vulnerability management and access control, ensuring that organizations maintain proper security postures against similar threats.