CVE-2001-1214 in Unix Manual
Summary
by MITRE
manual.php in Marcus S. Xenakis Unix Manual 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a URL that contains shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1214 affects Marcus S. Xenakis Unix Manual 1.0, specifically targeting the manual.php component within this web application. This represents a classic command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the URL parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that get interpreted by the underlying system.
The technical flaw manifests when the manual.php script processes URL parameters without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by embedding shell commands within the input. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without adequate validation or escaping. The weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web application process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations running the affected software, as it enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the system, potentially escalating privileges, installing backdoors, or exfiltrating sensitive data. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within network environments, as compromised systems often serve as launch points for broader attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. This includes employing parameterized queries, input filtering, and output encoding to prevent malicious data from being interpreted as commands. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts known good input patterns while rejecting potentially dangerous characters and sequences. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL patterns, and ensure that the affected software is either patched or completely removed from production environments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security measures that prevent unauthorized command execution through web interfaces. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar injection vulnerabilities within the application's architecture, as command injection flaws often exist in multiple components of web applications and require systematic addressing rather than isolated fixes.