CVE-2000-0213 in Sambar Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Sambar server includes batch files ECHO.BAT and HELLO.BAT in the CGI directory, which allow remote attackers to execute commands via shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2025
The Sambar server vulnerability CVE-2000-0213 represents a critical remote command execution flaw that emerged in web server software during the early 2000s. This vulnerability specifically affects the Sambar Server version 5.0 and earlier, where the web server installation includes batch files named ECHO.BAT and HELLO.BAT within its CGI directory structure. These batch files contain executable code that can be manipulated by remote attackers to perform unauthorized operations on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data within the server's CGI processing functionality.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper sanitization of input parameters that are passed to these batch files during CGI execution. When a remote attacker sends specially crafted requests to the server, the batch files execute with elevated privileges and can interpret shell metacharacters such as ampersands, semicolons, and pipes. This allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, effectively granting them complete control over the server. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw under CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a direct descendant of the well-known CWE-78 category. The use of batch files in the CGI directory creates an attack surface where user-controllable parameters can directly influence the execution flow of system commands, bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against internal networks. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers. Organizations running affected versions of Sambar Server face significant risks including service disruption, data breaches, and potential regulatory violations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the use of batch files and command-line interfaces for malicious execution. The attack vector typically involves sending HTTP requests containing malicious command sequences to the CGI endpoints, where the server processes these inputs through the vulnerable batch files and executes the injected commands with the privileges of the web server process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0213 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should first identify and remove the vulnerable batch files ECHO.BAT and HELLO.BAT from the CGI directory structure, ensuring that no executable scripts remain in locations accessible to web clients. System administrators must implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious command injection attempts, particularly within CGI scripts and web applications. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Sambar Server software or migrating to more modern web server solutions that properly handle user input. Network-level defenses such as firewall rules and web application firewalls can provide additional protection by blocking access to known vulnerable endpoints and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. Security configurations should enforce strict access controls and privilege separation to minimize the impact if other vulnerabilities are exploited. The remediation process must also include comprehensive security auditing to identify any potential backdoors or malicious modifications that may have been installed by attackers during exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar issues in other web server components and prevent future exploitation of command injection vulnerabilities.