CVE-2012-5499: Plone Denial of Service Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2012-5499: python_scripts.py in Plone before 4.2.3 and 4.3 before beta 1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) via a large value, related to formatColumns. 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 user-friendly interface for managing websites and supports various features such as content creation, collaboration, and workflow management. Plone is widely used for building robust and secure websites and web applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5499 affects Plone versions before 4.2.3 and 4.3 before beta 1. It is a denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited remotely. The vulnerability resides in the 'python_scripts.py' file and is related to the 'formatColumns' function. By providing a large value, an attacker can cause excessive memory consumption, leading to a denial of service condition. This vulnerability can be exploited to disrupt the normal functioning of a Plone instance, potentially impacting the availability of the affected website or application.
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
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, as a general best practice, it is advisable to implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in web applications.
Conclusion
The CVE-2012-5499 vulnerability in Plone poses a risk of denial of service attacks through excessive memory consumption. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade to Plone version 4.2.3 or apply the provided patches. Implementing proper input validation and sanitization practices is also recommended. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition, causing excessive memory consumption and potentially impacting the availability of the affected Plone instance.
Plone versions before 4.2.3 and 4.3 before beta 1 are affected by this vulnerability.
While the details of any known exploits are not provided, it is important to promptly apply the recommended fixes to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
The primary mitigation is to upgrade to Plone version 4.2.3 or apply the necessary patches provided by the Plone project. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms can help prevent the exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.
You can find more information about this vulnerability, including the source and details, in the Plone advisory database: https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/blob/main/vulns/plone/PYSEC-2014-41.yaml
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