CVE-2015-1592 in Movabletype
Summary
by MITRE
Movable Type Pro, Open Source, and Advanced before 5.2.12 and Pro and Advanced 6.0.x before 6.0.7 does not properly use the Perl Storable::thaw function, which allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local Perl files and possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1592 affects Movable Type content management systems including both the open source and commercial Pro and Advanced editions. This issue stems from improper handling of the Perl Storable::thaw function which is used for deserializing Perl data structures. The flaw exists in versions prior to 5.2.12 for the open source and 6.0.7 for the Pro and Advanced editions, representing a critical security weakness that could enable remote code execution. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes serialized data without adequate validation or sanitization, creating a path for attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the application's context.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure use of Perl's Storable module, specifically the thaw function which deserializes data structures stored in binary format. When Movable Type processes user-supplied data that gets passed through Storable::thaw without proper input validation, attackers can craft malicious serialized payloads that, when deserialized, execute arbitrary Perl code on the target system. This represents a classic deserialization vulnerability where the application fails to implement proper security controls around data handling. The flaw allows for arbitrary file inclusion and execution, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially provide full system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application level and can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it especially severe for web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1592 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to servers running affected Movable Type installations, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or further lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access or credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized code execution, which could result in complete system takeover, data breaches, and potential compliance violations. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of content management systems, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web applications and their underlying infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1592 focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases, specifically updating to Movable Type 5.2.12 or 6.0.7 respectively. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while also monitoring for suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the underlying deserialization flaw by properly validating and sanitizing input data before processing with Storable::thaw. Additionally, implementing application firewalls and web application security measures can provide defense-in-depth protection. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-502 which describes deserialization of untrusted data, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter to execute malicious code through Perl scripting capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch deployment processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in the future.