CVE-2001-0024 in simplestmail.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
simplestmail.cgi CGI program by Leif Wright allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the MyEmail parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0024 resides within the simplestmail.cgi CGI program developed by Leif Wright, representing a classic command injection flaw that has significant implications for web application security. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of user input within the MyEmail parameter, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming data before processing it through shell commands. The flaw occurs because the program directly incorporates user-supplied input into system commands without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through carefully crafted payloads.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command inside a software platform, and it represents a direct exploitation of command injection weaknesses that have been consistently documented in web application security assessments. When an attacker submits shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks within the MyEmail parameter, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell and executed as part of the command sequence. This allows for arbitrary code execution on the server hosting the vulnerable CGI script, potentially enabling attackers to gain full control over the system, access sensitive data, or launch further attacks against the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks that align with multiple ATT&CK tactics including execution through command and scripting interpreter, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated using common attack frameworks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where legacy web applications remain unpatched. Organizations running this vulnerable software face risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure, as the compromised server can serve as a launching point for additional attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0024 should focus on immediate remediation through input validation and output encoding techniques that prevent shell metacharacters from being processed as commands. The most effective approaches include implementing proper parameter sanitization, using secure coding practices that avoid direct shell command execution with user input, and employing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious payload patterns. Organizations should also consider migrating away from legacy CGI applications to modern web frameworks that provide built-in protections against such vulnerabilities, while implementing comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as even simple oversight in parameter handling can result in complete system compromise.