CVE-2002-0749 in csMailto
Summary
by MITRE
CGIscript.net csMailto.cgi allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the form-attachment field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0749 resides within the csMailto.cgi script distributed by CGIscript.net, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the form-attachment field processing within the mailto script, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that get interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with command injection vulnerabilities, which are classified under CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, and falls within the broader category of CWE-94 related to improper control of generation of code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload through the form-attachment field of the csMailto.cgi script. The script fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands, creating a path for arbitrary code execution. When the script processes the attachment field, it directly passes the unvalidated input to shell commands without adequate filtering or encoding, allowing attackers to chain shell commands and potentially gain full system control. This type of vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0749 extends beyond simple command execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacking other networked systems. The vulnerability affects systems running the affected CGI script version and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation practices, particularly in web-based email submission interfaces. Organizations utilizing this script face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, especially in environments where email functionality is exposed to untrusted users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the affected script. System administrators should apply the vendor-provided patches or updates as soon as they become available, while also implementing proper input filtering that removes or encodes potentially dangerous shell metacharacters. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable script to untrusted users. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable CGI scripts or web applications within their infrastructure, as this vulnerability type often indicates broader security gaps in input handling and command execution processes. The remediation approach should align with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and OWASP Top 10, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and proper validation of user inputs to prevent command injection attacks.