CVE-2001-0225 in Infobot
Summary
by MITRE
fortran math component in Infobot 0.44.5.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0225 affects the fortran math component within Infobot version 0.44.5.3 and earlier releases, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the mathematical computation module that processes user-supplied data. The vulnerability manifests when the system receives mathematical expressions or commands that contain shell metacharacters, which are then interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system without proper authorization checks.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of user input within the fortran math processing component, which directly incorporates user-supplied data into shell command execution contexts. This design flaw creates a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as shell commands rather than mathematical expressions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible systems. The affected Infobot version demonstrates a failure to implement proper input sanitization and command escaping mechanisms, allowing malicious payloads to bypass normal processing boundaries and execute with the privileges of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to fully compromise the affected system. Remote exploitation could enable attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects systems where Infobot is deployed as a web service or chatbot platform, potentially exposing organizations to significant security risks. Given that the vulnerability existed in versions up to 0.44.5.3, numerous installations may have remained exposed for extended periods, increasing the potential attack surface and attack surface complexity.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-77 and CWE-88 which categorize it as a command injection flaw. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through interpreted languages. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to versions that address the input validation issues, implementing proper input sanitization measures, and deploying network segmentation to limit exposure. Additional defensive measures such as web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in legacy systems where input validation may have been overlooked during development phases, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes to prevent similar issues in future implementations.