CVE-2001-0023 in everythingform.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
everythingform.cgi CGI program by Leif Wright allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the config parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0023 resides within the everythingform.cgi CGI program developed by Leif Wright, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the improper handling of the config parameter within the CGI script, where input validation mechanisms fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that are subsequently interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system, creating a direct pathway for command injection attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which categorizes command injection flaws that occur when an application passes untrusted data to an operating system command. The vulnerability exists because the everythingform.cgi script directly incorporates user-provided values from the config parameter into shell commands without proper sanitization or encoding. This design flaw enables attackers to manipulate the script's behavior by inserting shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that trigger unintended command execution. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw, as attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter without requiring authentication or local access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system, potentially escalating privileges and accessing sensitive data stored on the server. The vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable version of the everythingform.cgi program, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with web applications. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making detection and prevention more challenging for system administrators.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the CGI script. The most effective approach involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly escaped or encoded before being processed by any system commands. Security measures should include implementing whitelisting for acceptable parameter values, using secure coding practices that avoid direct shell command construction with user input, and employing proper parameter validation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, as well as conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other CGI programs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when developing web applications, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Additionally, this vulnerability exemplifies the need for regular security updates and patch management, as the flaw existed in the software for an extended period before proper mitigation techniques were implemented. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all web applications undergo security reviews to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.