CVE-2012-2140 is a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability discovered in the Ruby Mail gem. This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on systems utilizing vulnerable versions of the gem, specifically those prior to 2.4.3. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of shell metacharacters within the sendmail or exim delivery mechanisms, potentially leading to complete system compromise. A patch was released in version 2.4.3.
The impact of CVE-2012-2140 is severe. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected system. This control extends to executing arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running the Ruby application. Successful exploitation could lead to data exfiltration, malware installation, denial of service, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's reliance on email delivery makes it particularly concerning, as attackers could potentially trigger the vulnerability through crafted email messages. While the vulnerability is relatively old, systems still using legacy Ruby applications are at risk.
CVE-2012-2140 has been publicly disclosed and a proof-of-concept may exist. While active exploitation is not widely reported, the vulnerability's severity and potential impact warrant attention. It is not listed on the CISA KEV catalog. The vulnerability's age suggests that it may be targeted by automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers. The reliance on email delivery for exploitation means that systems receiving untrusted email are particularly vulnerable.
Exploit Status
EPSS
3.67% (88% percentile)
The primary mitigation for CVE-2012-2140 is to upgrade the Ruby Mail gem to version 2.4.3 or later. If upgrading is not immediately feasible due to compatibility issues or breaking changes, consider implementing input validation and sanitization on email data before passing it to the Mail gem. Specifically, carefully escape any user-supplied data that might be interpreted as shell metacharacters. Web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block shell injection attempts can provide an additional layer of defense. Monitor system logs for suspicious activity related to email delivery and command execution.
No official patch available. Check for workarounds or monitor for updates.
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CVE-2012-2140 is a Remote Code Execution vulnerability in the Ruby Mail gem, allowing attackers to execute commands via shell metacharacters in email delivery.
You are affected if you are using the Ruby Mail gem version 2.4.1 or earlier. Check your gem versions and upgrade immediately.
Upgrade the Ruby Mail gem to version 2.4.3 or later. If upgrading is not possible, implement input validation and sanitization on email data.
While widespread active exploitation is not confirmed, the vulnerability's severity makes it a potential target for attackers. Proactive mitigation is recommended.
Refer to the RubyGems advisory and related security blogs for details: https://github.com/mcollins/mail/issues/418
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