CVE-2012-6143 in Spoon
Summary
by MITRE
Spoon::Cookie in the Spoon module 0.24 for Perl does not properly use the Storable::thaw function, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request, which is not properly handled when it is deserialized.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6143 resides within the Spoon module version 0.24 for Perl, specifically within the Spoon::Cookie component that handles cookie management in web applications. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from improper implementation of the Storable::thaw function, which is responsible for deserializing Perl data structures. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through maliciously crafted requests that exploit weaknesses in the deserialization process. The core issue manifests when the module fails to properly validate or sanitize serialized data before attempting to deserialize it, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed within the context of the affected application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of serialized cookie data that the Spoon::Cookie component processes. When the Storable::thaw function is invoked with untrusted input, it can inadvertently execute arbitrary Perl code contained within the serialized data structure. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of deserialization flaws and aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a critical security weakness. The flaw demonstrates how improper handling of serialized objects can lead to remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous in web environments where user input flows directly into cookie handling mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable Spoon::Cookie component, trigger unintended code execution on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6143 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. This vulnerability affects web applications that utilize the Spoon module for cookie management, particularly those deployed in environments where user input is processed through cookie handling components. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to the internet. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that cookie data is commonly used for session management and user state persistence, providing attackers with potential access to user sessions and sensitive application data. Organizations running affected applications face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6143 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of the Spoon module or implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures. System administrators should immediately upgrade to versions of the Spoon module that properly handle Storable::thaw operations and validate serialized data inputs. Organizations should also implement strict validation of all cookie data received from clients, ensuring that serialized objects contain only expected data types and structures. The implementation of security measures such as Content Security Policy headers and input sanitization libraries can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of cookie-related traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure deserialization practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers "Exploitation for Client Execution" and highlights how deserialization vulnerabilities can be leveraged for remote code execution attacks.