CVE-2001-0562 in A1Stats
Summary
by MITRE
a1disp.cgi program in Drummond Miles A1Stats prior to 1.6 allows a remote attacker to execute commands via a specially crafted URL which includes shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0562 represents a critical command injection flaw in the a1disp.cgi web script component of Drummond Miles A1Stats version 1.5 and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's processing of user-supplied data, specifically in how the script handles URL parameters containing shell metacharacters. The vulnerability exists in the context of web-based applications that process external input without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying server system. The affected software operates as a web-based statistics collection and display tool, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation through web browser interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in input handling where the a1disp.cgi script directly incorporates user-provided parameters into shell commands without appropriate filtering or escaping mechanisms. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell as command separators or operators rather than literal text. This allows the attacker to append additional commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated permissions to access system resources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers. Successful exploitation allows unauthorized parties to gain complete control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated versions of A1Stats, which were commonly deployed in web hosting environments where such applications were used for traffic analysis and website monitoring. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other network resources. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0562 require immediate action to upgrade to version 1.6 or later of A1Stats, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewall rules to detect and block suspicious URL patterns containing shell metacharacters, while also conducting thorough input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture. Security administrators should disable unnecessary CGI scripts and ensure that web server processes run with minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation practices as fundamental security controls. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of proper parameter handling in web applications to prevent similar command injection vulnerabilities from remaining undetected in production environments.