CVE-2012-10033 Narcissus backend.php Image Configuration Command Injection
Attackers can execute arbitrary system commands via unsanitized input in Narcissus backend.php, leading to remote code execution.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2012-10033?
CVE-2012-10033 is a critical command injection vulnerability in Ångström Distribution Project Narcissus, published on 5 Aug 2025. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
Narcissus is vulnerable to remote code execution via improper input handling in its image configuration workflow. Specifically, the backend.php script fails to sanitize the release parameter before passing it to the configure_image() function. This function invokes PHP’s passthru() with the unsanitized input, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary system commands. Exploitation occurs via a crafted POST request, resulting in command execution under the web server’s context.
Weakness: CWE-78
Which versions are affected by CVE-2012-10033?
How do I fix CVE-2012-10033?
No fix has been published for CVE-2012-10033 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.
Is CVE-2012-10033 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2012-10033 exists.
Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-gg99-vr5h-p3xf.