CVE-2013-0209 in Movable Type
Summary
by MITRE
lib/MT/Upgrade.pm in mt-upgrade.cgi in Movable Type 4.2x and 4.3x through 4.38 does not require authentication for requests to database-migration functions, which allows remote attackers to conduct eval injection and SQL injection attacks via crafted parameters, as demonstrated by an eval injection attack against the core_drop_meta_for_table function, leading to execution of arbitrary Perl code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0209 resides within the Movable Type content management system, specifically in the mt-upgrade.cgi script's lib/MT/Upgrade.pm component. This flaw affects versions 4.2x and 4.3x through 4.38, creating a critical security gap that undermines the application's authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to properly authenticate requests to database migration functions, exposing sensitive administrative operations to unauthorized remote access. This authentication bypass represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture, allowing attackers to escalate privileges without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and access control enforcement within the upgrade process. When attackers craft malicious parameters and submit them to the database-migration functions, the system fails to verify the legitimacy of the requestor's credentials. The flaw specifically targets the core_drop_meta_for_table function where eval injection attacks can be successfully executed, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary Perl code directly into the application's execution environment. This code execution capability stems from the system's improper handling of user-supplied input within the eval context, creating a direct path for remote code execution. The vulnerability operates under CWE-284 which describes improper access control, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94 which addresses improper control of generation of code, or 'Code Injection'.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the server hosting Movable Type, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The eval injection mechanism provides attackers with direct control over the Perl interpreter, allowing them to perform actions such as reading system files, executing shell commands, or modifying the application's behavior. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls and directly manipulate the application's runtime environment, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for execution through Perl, and T1078 for valid accounts usage, though the authentication bypass circumvents the need for legitimate credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0209 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Movable Type that properly implements authentication checks for database migration functions. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to upgrade scripts, particularly disabling direct internet access to these administrative endpoints. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter patterns, conducting thorough input validation and sanitization, and applying principle of least privilege to the application's execution environment. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to upgrade functions, while regular security audits should verify proper authentication enforcement throughout the application. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper access control implementation and input validation in preventing code injection attacks, reinforcing industry best practices for secure application development and deployment.