CVE-2001-0808 in Gnatsweb
Summary
by MITRE
gnatsweb.pl in GNATS GnatsWeb 2.7 through 3.95 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via certain characters in the help_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0808 affects GNATS GnatsWeb versions 2.7 through 3.95, specifically within the gnatsweb.pl component. This represents a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the help_file parameter processing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input sequences. The flaw exists in the web interface component of the GNU Bug Tracking System, which is designed to provide web-based access to bug tracking capabilities while maintaining security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the help_file parameter receives input containing special characters that are not properly escaped or filtered before being processed by the underlying system. This allows attackers to inject shell commands that get executed with the privileges of the web server process, typically running as a low-privilege user but potentially elevated through additional attack vectors. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection weakness under CWE-77, which specifically addresses situations where user-controllable data is directly passed to system execution functions without proper sanitization. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of proper parameter sanitization in web applications.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected GNATS GnatsWeb versions, as it allows full remote command execution capabilities without authentication. Attackers can leverage this to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system, potentially escalating privileges, exfiltrating sensitive data, or establishing persistent access through backdoor installations. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise, as the vulnerability may be exploited to pivot into larger network environments where the web server resides. Organizations using this legacy bug tracking system face significant exposure, particularly in environments where the web interface is accessible to untrusted users or where the system lacks proper network segmentation and access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0808 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest GNATS GnatsWeb releases that address this vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent malicious characters from reaching system execution functions, following established security practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Input Validation and Encoding Cheat Sheet. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable web interface to only authorized users. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regularly updating legacy software systems and maintaining current security patches, as this issue affects versions that are now considered obsolete and unsupported. Organizations should consider migrating to more modern bug tracking systems that have been designed with security in mind and receive regular security updates.