CVE-2000-0322 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The passwd.php3 CGI script in the Red Hat Piranha Virtual Server Package allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0322 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Red Hat Piranha Virtual Server Package, specifically affecting the passwd.php3 CGI script. This vulnerability resides in a component designed to manage virtual server configurations and user authentication, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized system access. The Red Hat Piranha package was widely deployed as a load balancing solution that required proper authentication mechanisms to protect its administrative interfaces from malicious exploitation. The flaw emerged from inadequate input validation within the script that handled user password modifications, creating a pathway for local users to manipulate system commands through shell metacharacters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the script's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into shell command executions. When the passwd.php3 script processes user credentials, it directly incorporates unvalidated parameters into system calls without appropriate escaping or filtering mechanisms. This design flaw aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a classic example of a command injection vulnerability. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that would be interpreted by the underlying shell, thereby executing arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential complete system compromise. Local users with access to the web application interface could leverage this flaw to execute system commands, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of critical system files, or even complete system takeover. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where the Piranha package is deployed as a load balancer, as these systems often require elevated privileges to manage network configurations and service availability. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as local access to the web application is sufficient to trigger the command injection. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter for executing malicious commands through shell interactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0322 must address both immediate patching requirements and architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patches that properly validate and sanitize all user input before incorporating it into system commands. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation that filters or escapes special shell characters, ensuring that user-supplied data cannot be interpreted as command syntax. Security practitioners should also consider implementing additional safeguards such as privilege separation, where web application processes run with minimal necessary permissions, and input sanitization at multiple layers of the application stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly focusing on input validation and command execution security controls that prevent unauthorized system interactions.