CVE-2001-0113 in OmniHTTPD
Summary
by MITRE
statsconfig.pl in OmniHTTPd 2.07 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the mostbrowsers parameter, whose value is used as part of a generated Perl script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0113 represents a critical command injection flaw in OmniHTTPd 2.07's statsconfig.pl component. This issue arises from improper input validation within the web server's statistics configuration script, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server. The vulnerability specifically targets the mostbrowsers parameter, which serves as a critical input point that directly influences the generation of Perl scripts executed on the target system. The flaw stems from the web server's failure to sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into executable code, effectively allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get processed as part of the Perl script execution flow.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains, fundamentally violating the principle of input sanitization and code injection prevention. The technical implementation involves the statsconfig.pl script constructing Perl code dynamically based on user-provided parameters without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. When the mostbrowsers parameter contains malicious input, it gets directly embedded into the generated Perl script, enabling attackers to manipulate the script's behavior and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, where user-supplied data is improperly incorporated into dynamically generated code without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected OmniHTTPd server. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and persistent access establishment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations running outdated OmniHTTPd versions, creating a significant risk for web servers that have not been properly maintained or updated. The attack vector follows typical remote code execution patterns that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0113 must focus on immediate remediation through software updates and input validation enforcement. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to a patched version of OmniHTTPd that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version 2.07 contains multiple security flaws that compound the risk. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the statsconfig.pl script can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious parameter values in web requests, while also implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for web server processes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in web applications, particularly when dealing with dynamic code generation, and demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in parameter handling can lead to complete system compromise.