CVE-2000-1068 in Poll It
Summary
by MITRE
pollit.cgi in Poll It 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the poll_options parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1068 represents a critical command injection flaw in the pollit.cgi script of Poll It 2.0 web application. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the poll_options parameter handling mechanism. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-77 as a command injection vulnerability, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. The affected pollit.cgi script processes user input through the poll_options parameter and subsequently executes shell commands, creating an avenue for remote attackers to inject malicious shell metacharacters and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks within the poll_options parameter. When the vulnerable script processes this input, it passes the unsanitized data directly to shell execution functions, allowing attackers to append additional commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's parameter handling code.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-1068 is severe and far-reaching, potentially allowing complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system, execute arbitrary commands, and potentially escalate privileges to root or administrator levels depending on the web server configuration. The vulnerability affects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected system, as attackers can modify system files, extract sensitive data, or disrupt services. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where the web server process typically runs with elevated privileges, creating a direct path to system-level compromise. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable Poll It 2.0 version, making it a high-priority target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-1068 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent command injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a non-vulnerable version of Poll It 2.0. Input validation should include strict filtering of shell metacharacters and other potentially dangerous characters from user-supplied input. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web server process with minimal required permissions. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding and using secure coding practices such as parameterized queries or command execution functions that properly sanitize input can prevent similar vulnerabilities. Network-level defenses including firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreters, highlighting the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper sanitization mechanisms to prevent command injection attacks in web applications.