CVE-2012-5624 in Diga plc
Summary
by MITRE
The XMLHttpRequest object in Qt before 4.8.4 enables http redirection to the file scheme, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to force the read of arbitrary local files and possibly obtain sensitive information via a file: URL to a QML application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5624 represents a critical security flaw in Qt frameworks prior to version 4.8.4 that fundamentally undermines the security boundaries of web applications built using Qt Quick and QML technologies. This issue manifests through the XMLHttpRequest object's improper handling of HTTP redirects, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the underlying security model of Qt applications. The vulnerability specifically targets the Qt framework's implementation of cross-origin resource sharing and HTTP protocol handling, where the framework fails to properly validate redirect targets during HTTP requests.
The technical flaw stems from Qt's inadequate validation of redirect URLs within the XMLHttpRequest implementation, allowing HTTP redirects to be processed even when they point to file scheme URLs. This occurs because the Qt framework does not properly enforce the same-origin policy or validate that redirect targets maintain appropriate security boundaries between network and local file system access. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP response that includes a redirect to a file: URL, the Qt application's XMLHttpRequest object follows this redirect without proper security checks, effectively bypassing the intended security restrictions that should prevent network-based applications from accessing local filesystem resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, providing attackers with potential access to sensitive local information that could include configuration files, user data, application logs, and system credentials. This vulnerability directly enables arbitrary file reading capabilities, which can be leveraged to extract sensitive information from the target system. The man-in-the-middle attack vector means that attackers do not need to be physically present on the target system, but can exploit the vulnerability through network-based interception of HTTP traffic. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as access to local files could potentially lead to privilege escalation, authentication bypass, or further exploitation of other system vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-264, indicating improper privilege management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as attackers can use the compromised application to enumerate and access local files. The vulnerability also connects to T1566 (Phishing) as it often requires social engineering to deliver the initial malicious HTTP response that triggers the exploit. Organizations using Qt-based applications are particularly at risk, as this vulnerability affects a core component of Qt's networking capabilities and can be exploited across various QML applications that utilize XMLHttpRequest for data retrieval.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5624 require immediate implementation of the vendor-recommended security patch for Qt framework versions prior to 4.8.4, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying flaw. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to monitor and restrict HTTP redirects to file scheme URLs, particularly in environments where Qt applications are deployed. Additionally, application developers should review their QML applications for proper input validation and implement additional security checks within their code to prevent unexpected redirect behavior. Network segmentation and firewall rules can be configured to limit access to potentially vulnerable Qt applications, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any other instances of the vulnerable Qt framework versions within the organization's infrastructure.