CVE-2000-0690 in Auction Weaver
Summary
by MITRE
Auction Weaver CGI script 1.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the fromfile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0690 affects the Auction Weaver CGI script version 1.02 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote command execution through improper input validation. This issue stems from the script's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data, specifically within the fromfile parameter that processes file operations. The vulnerability falls under the category of command injection attacks, where malicious actors can manipulate the script's behavior by inserting shell metacharacters that get interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. The flaw represents a classic example of inadequate input filtering that allows attackers to bypass intended security boundaries and execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Auction Weaver CGI script processes the fromfile parameter without adequate sanitization of special shell characters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks. When an attacker supplies malicious input containing these metacharacters, the script passes this unvalidated data directly to shell execution functions, resulting in arbitrary command injection. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-77 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses command injection flaws that occur when a program passes untrusted data to a command shell. The attack vector operates through web-based interfaces where the CGI script serves as the entry point for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered remotely without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0690 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation grants attackers complete control over the affected system. Once executed, the injected commands can perform any action that the web server process has privileges to execute, potentially including file manipulation, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, or even establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability directly maps to several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to command and control operations and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to pivot through networks, escalate privileges to system-level access, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The widespread use of CGI scripts in web applications during this era made this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as many organizations were running unpatched versions of such software across their web infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0690 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Auction Weaver CGI script, which would implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement input filtering at multiple layers including web application firewalls, server-side validation, and proper parameter handling within the script itself. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced where the web server process runs with minimal necessary permissions, reducing the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other CGI scripts or web applications, as this flaw demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in preventing command injection attacks. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of why automated security testing and proper secure coding practices are essential in preventing such critical flaws in web applications.