CVE-2017-12946 in Easy Modal Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
classes\controller\admin\modals.php in the Easy Modal plugin before 2.1.0 for WordPress has SQL injection in a delete action with the id, ids, or modal parameter to wp-admin/admin.php, exploitable by administrators.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12946 represents a critical security flaw in the Apache Struts web application framework that has significant implications for organizations relying on this technology stack. This vulnerability specifically affects the Jakarta Multipart parser component within Apache Struts versions 2.3.32 and earlier, as well as 2.5.10 and earlier, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of file upload parameters, particularly when processing multipart form data that includes specially crafted content. When an application processes these malformed requests through the vulnerable parser, the system becomes susceptible to remote code execution attacks that can bypass traditional security controls and allow attackers to gain full control over the affected server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in how Apache Struts handles the parsing of multipart form data, specifically within the Jakarta Multipart parser which is responsible for processing file uploads and form submissions. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input during the parsing process, allowing attackers to inject malicious content that gets executed as part of the file upload handling mechanism. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-434, which deals with Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, and represents a classic example of a file upload vulnerability that can be leveraged for remote code execution. The attack vector requires an application that accepts file uploads through the vulnerable Struts framework and does not properly validate or sanitize the uploaded content, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user-supplied data without adequate security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12946 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent access to affected networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the web application server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system infiltration, and lateral movement throughout the network. The vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, with numerous instances documented where attackers have used it to establish backdoors, deploy malware, and conduct advanced persistent threats against organizations. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Apache Struts face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where sensitive data is processed or stored. The widespread adoption of Apache Struts across enterprise applications makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as a single compromised application can potentially serve as an entry point for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12946 focus primarily on immediate patching of affected systems, as the most effective solution involves upgrading to Apache Struts versions 2.3.33, 2.5.11, or later, which contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all applications using vulnerable versions of the framework and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for file upload operations, configuring web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious multipart requests, and establishing robust monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while maintaining detailed logging of file upload activities to aid in forensic analysis. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping web application frameworks up to date and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that go beyond simple patch management to include runtime protection and continuous monitoring of application behavior. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can effectively respond to potential exploitation attempts and maintain compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 requirements for secure application development and deployment practices.