CVE-2012-5493: Plone Remote Code Execution
Summary
CVE-2012-5493: gtbn.py in Plone before 4.2.3 and 4.3 before beta 1 allows remote authenticated users with certain permissions to bypass the Python sandbox and execute arbitrary Python code via unspecified vectors. Affects plone across 2 version ranges.
< 4.2.3
>= 4.3a0, < 4.3b1
Fixed in 4.2.3 or 4.3b1, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Plone is an open-source content management system built on top of the Zope application server. It provides a robust and flexible platform for creating and managing websites. Plone allows users to create, edit, and publish content through a web-based interface. It is widely used by organizations and individuals to build websites, intranets, and collaboration platforms. However, versions of Plone before 4.2.3 and 4.3 before beta 1 are vulnerable to a remote code execution vulnerability.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2012-5493, allows remote authenticated users with certain permissions to bypass the Python sandbox and execute arbitrary Python code. The exact vectors through which the code can be executed are unspecified. This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables attackers to execute malicious code on the affected Plone instances, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or further compromise of the system.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 6.2.2 as of 23 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "plone==6.2.2"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 4.2.34.2.3pip install --upgrade "plone==4.2.3" -
>= 4.3a0, < 4.3b14.3b1pip install --upgrade "plone==4.3b1"
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate updating is not feasible, a possible workaround is to restrict the permissions of authenticated users to mitigate the risk of exploitation. By limiting the permissions of users to only essential actions and preventing access to sensitive functionality, the impact of the vulnerability can be reduced. However, this is not a permanent solution and should be considered a temporary measure until the Plone installation can be updated.
Conclusion
The CVE-2012-5493 vulnerability in Plone exposes systems to the risk of remote code execution. It is crucial to update the Plone installation to a fixed version to mitigate this vulnerability. Restricting user permissions can provide temporary relief but should not be considered a long-term solution. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Plone is an open-source content management system built on top of the Zope application server. It provides a robust and flexible platform for creating and managing websites.
Versions of Plone before 4.2.3 and 4.3 before beta 1 are vulnerable to this remote code execution vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Plone installation to version 4.2.3 or later if using a version prior to 4.2.3. For versions 4.3a0 and 4.3b1, it is advised to upgrade to a fixed version.
This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary Python code, which can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or further compromise of the system.
A possible workaround is to restrict the permissions of authenticated users to mitigate the risk of exploitation. However, this is not a permanent solution and updating the Plone installation is recommended.
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