CVE-2012-5494: Cross-site Scripting (XSS) in Plone
Summary
CVE-2012-5494: Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in python_scripts.py in Plone before 4.2.3 and 4.3 before beta 1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, related to "{u,}translate.... 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 (CMS) built on top of the Zope application server. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing websites and supports various features such as content creation, collaboration, and workflow management. Plone is widely used by organizations and individuals to create and maintain their web presence. However, prior to version 4.2.3 and 4.3 beta 1, Plone was vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Plone allowed remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML through unspecified vectors, specifically related to the "{u,}translate" functionality in the python_scripts.py file. This XSS vulnerability could be exploited to execute malicious code in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to various security risks such as session hijacking, data theft, or defacement of the affected website.
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 upgrading to a newer version of Plone is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks. This workaround involves modifying the affected python_scripts.py file to include input validation and output encoding for the "{u,}translate" functionality. Here is an example of how the code can be modified:
# Original vulnerable code
...
translate = request.get("translate", "")
...
# Modified code with input validation and output encoding
...
translate = context.REQUEST.get("translate", "")
translate = context.portal_transforms.safe_html(translate)
...
By implementing this workaround, the input provided for the "{u,}translate" functionality will be sanitized and encoded, reducing the risk of XSS attacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Plone versions prior to 4.2.3 and 4.3 beta 1 are vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack. This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML into web pages, potentially leading to various security risks. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Plone version 4.2.3 or later. If immediate upgrade is not possible, implementing the provided workaround can help reduce the risk of XSS attacks. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts can be used to steal sensitive information, manipulate website content, or perform other malicious actions.
An attacker can exploit this XSS vulnerability in Plone by crafting a malicious payload and injecting it through the "{u,}translate" functionality. This payload can be designed to execute arbitrary JavaScript code when a user visits a vulnerable page, leading to potential security risks.
No, only Plone versions prior to 4.2.3 and 4.3 beta 1 are affected by this XSS vulnerability. The developers have addressed the issue in these versions by implementing appropriate security measures.
At the time of this advisory, there are no known public exploits specifically targeting this XSS vulnerability in Plone. However, it is important to promptly apply the recommended fixes to mitigate the risk of potential attacks.
For more information about this vulnerability, you can refer to the official advisory provided by the Plone project. The advisory contains detailed information about the vulnerability, its impact, and the recommended steps to fix it.
References
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