CVE-2002-1569 in gv
Summary
by MITRE
gv 3.5.8, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the filename for (1) a PDF file or (2) a gzip file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1569 affects gv version 3.5.8 and potentially earlier releases, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. This vulnerability resides in the file handling mechanisms of the gv document viewer, which is a graphical viewer for PostScript and PDF documents commonly used in Unix-like operating systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes filenames containing shell metacharacters, creating an avenue for malicious code execution that can compromise the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the gv application's file processing pipeline. When users attempt to open PDF or gzip files through gv, the application fails to properly escape or filter special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, backticks, and other metacharacters that could be interpreted by the underlying shell. This inadequate sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the gv process, typically running as the user who initiated the application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file name level rather than requiring complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, potentially allowing full system compromise and persistence within affected environments. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or escalate privileges to gain administrative access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through simple file sharing mechanisms or malicious documents that users might legitimately open, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures. This vulnerability affects systems where gv is installed and used to process untrusted documents, creating a widespread attack surface across Unix and Linux environments that rely on this document viewer.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1569 should focus on immediate patching of affected gv versions, with the implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running gv, while also deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized execution of malicious payloads. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing commands through shell interactions. Regular security audits should verify that all document viewing applications properly sanitize file names and implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other software components. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.