Plack::Middleware::Session::Cookie through version 0.21 for Perl is vulnerable to remote code execution during cookie deserialization when no secret k...
Description
Plack::Middleware::Session::Cookie through version 0.21 for Perl is vulnerable to remote code execution during cookie deserialization when no secret key is configured to sign session data.
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Update Unknown Multiple Products to the latest version. Monitor for exploitation attempts and review access logs.
---METADATA---
VENDOR: Plack
PRODUCT: Middleware::Session::Cookie
AFFECTED_VERSIONS: Versions through 0.21
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Description Summary:
Plack::Middleware::Session::Cookie through version 0.21 for Perl is vulnerable to remote code execution during cookie deserialization when no secret key is configured to sign session data.
Executive Summary:
A critical remote code execution vulnerability in Plack::Middleware::Session::Cookie allows unauthenticated attackers to compromise the host server by providing malicious serialized cookie data.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2014-125112
Affected Software: Plack Middleware::Session::Cookie
Affected Versions: Versions through 0.21
Vulnerability: This is a deserialization vulnerability where the application processes cookie data without verifying its integrity. If a secret key is not used to sign the cookie, an unauthenticated remote attacker can inject arbitrary serialized Perl objects that execute code upon being processed by the server.
Business Impact
A successful exploit grants the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This can lead to a total compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially resulting in data exfiltration or the installation of persistent backdoors. The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the high ease of exploitation and the catastrophic impact on the business environment.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Update the Plack::Middleware::Session::Cookie library to the latest version and ensure a strong, unique secret key is configured for cookie signing.
Proactive Monitoring: Audit application logs for unusual Perl-related error messages or unexpected session data patterns that may indicate deserialization attempts.
Compensating Controls: Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to inspect cookie headers for suspicious serialized payloads and restrict outbound network access from web servers.
Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: false
Analyst Notes: As of Mar 26, 2026, there is no public information indicating active exploitation of this vulnerability. However, due to the nature of the flaw, the potential for exploitation is high.
Analyst Recommendation
The vulnerability represents a severe risk to any Perl-based web application utilizing this middleware without proper signing. It is imperative that administrators apply the latest patches and verify that session signing is enabled with a cryptographically secure secret immediately.