CVE-2002-1751 in csLiveSupport
Summary
by MITRE
csLiveSupport.cgi in CGIScript.net csLiveSupport allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Perl code via the setup parameter, which is processed by the Perl eval function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1751 resides within the csLiveSupport.cgi script distributed by CGIScript.net, representing a critical server-side code execution flaw that fundamentally compromises system security. This issue manifests through the improper handling of user-supplied input within the setup parameter, which is subsequently processed through Perl's eval function. The eval function in Perl executes code dynamically at runtime, making it extremely dangerous when fed untrusted input without proper sanitization or validation. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with the broader ATT&CK technique of code injection. The flaw demonstrates a classic path to arbitrary code execution, where an attacker can inject malicious Perl code through the setup parameter, effectively bypassing normal application security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites and offers attackers extensive operational capabilities once successfully leveraged. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when passed through the setup parameter, are executed by the eval function within the csLiveSupport.cgi script. This allows for complete system compromise, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include full system control, as the eval function processes the injected code with the privileges of the web server process. This presents a significant risk to organizations relying on this software, as the attack surface is minimal and the attack vector is straightforward. The vulnerability's exploitation can be automated through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such scripts are publicly accessible.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1751 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations through potential data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability's presence in a support script suggests that organizations may not regularly monitor or update such applications, creating extended exposure windows. This type of vulnerability commonly results in compliance violations under various regulatory frameworks including pci dss, hipaa, and gdpr, as it creates conditions where unauthorized access to systems and data can occur. Organizations may face significant financial and reputational damage due to the potential for data loss, service interruption, and regulatory penalties. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles and can be classified as a failure to implement proper secure coding practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1751 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. The primary solution involves removing or patching the vulnerable csLiveSupport.cgi script and ensuring that all input parameters are properly sanitized and validated before processing. Organizations should implement proper input validation that rejects or escapes special characters that could be interpreted as code by the eval function. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and input sanitization practices recommended in secure coding standards. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting known vulnerable parameters. Regular security assessments and patch management processes are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of application security reviews and the implementation of secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle, as it represents a preventable flaw that could have been avoided through proper input validation and code review processes.