---
title: "CVE-2012-5381\n    | Ubuntu"
description: Ubuntu is an open source software operating system that runs from the
  desktop, to the cloud, to all your internet connected things.
url: https://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2012-5381?format=md
keywords: index, follow
---

# CVE-2012-5381

Publication date 11 October 2012

Last updated 4 August 2025

---

Ubuntu priority

**Medium**

[Why this priority?](https://ubuntu.com/security/cves/about#priority )

Toggle side navigation

## Description

Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installation functionality in
PHP 5.3.17, when installed in the top-level C:\ directory, might allow
local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the C:\PHP
directory, which may be added to the PATH system environment variable by an
administrator, as demonstrated by a Trojan horse wlbsctrl.dll file used by
the "IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules" system service in Windows Vista
SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows 8 Release Preview.
NOTE: CVE disputes this issue because the unsafe PATH is established only
by a separate administrative action that is not a default part of the PHP
installation

[Read the notes from the security team](https://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2012-5381?format=md#notes)

## Status

Show unmaintained releases

| Package | Ubuntu Release | Status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| php5 | 12.04 LTS precise | Not affected |
| 11.10 oneiric | Not affected |
| 11.04 natty | Not affected |
| 10.04 LTS lucid | Not affected |
| 8.04 LTS hardy | Not affected |

---

* [How can I get the fixes?](https://ubuntu.com/security/cves/about#security)
* [What do statuses mean?](https://ubuntu.com/security/cves/about#statuses)

## Notes

---

### [jdstrand](https://launchpad.net/~jdstrand)

Windows only

## References

* [MITRE](https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2012-5381)
* [NVD](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2012-5381)
* [Launchpad](https://launchpad.net/bugs/cve/CVE-2012-5381)
* [Debian](https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2012-5381)

### Other references

* <https://www.htbridge.com/advisory/HTB23108>
* <https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2012-5381>