CVE-2012-6530 in Multi Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Sysax Multi Server before 5.52, when HTTP is enabled, allows remote authenticated users with the create folder permission to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6530 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Sysax Multi Server versions prior to 5.52 when the HTTP protocol is enabled. This flaw exists within the server's handling of HTTP requests and specifically affects authenticated users who possess the create folder permission. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking in the server's HTTP processing module, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The buffer overflow occurs when the server processes specially crafted HTTP requests that exceed the allocated stack buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated to gain control over the server's execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where user-supplied data is copied into a fixed-size stack buffer without proper bounds checking. When authenticated users with create folder permissions submit HTTP requests containing overly long data payloads, the server fails to validate the input length against the buffer capacity. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authentication with minimal privileges, making it accessible to users who should normally be restricted to folder creation operations. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious HTTP request that triggers the buffer overflow condition, followed by careful manipulation of the overwritten memory to redirect execution flow to malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6530 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further compromise within the affected network environment. Since the vulnerability requires only authenticated access with create folder permissions, it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts with relatively low privileges. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Sysax Multi Server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or use as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations running Sysax Multi Server versions earlier than 5.52, particularly those that have HTTP functionality enabled and maintain user accounts with folder creation capabilities, making it a significant concern for businesses relying on this file transfer and web server solution.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Sysax Multi Server version 5.52 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the underlying buffer overflow issue. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, ensuring that only authorized users have create folder permissions when HTTP is enabled. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader weakness of buffer overflow conditions that occur when data is copied into a stack buffer without proper bounds checking. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through code injection and command execution, as well as credential access through account compromise. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected Sysax Multi Server installations and implement comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include not only software updates but also security configuration reviews to ensure that HTTP functionality is properly secured and that access controls are appropriately enforced.