CVE-2002-1752 in csChat-R-Box
Summary
by MITRE
csChatRBox.cgi in CGIScript.net csChat-R-Box 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-2002-1752 resides within the csChatRBox.cgi script distributed by CGIScript.net, representing a critical server-side code execution flaw that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the csChat-R-Box application, which is designed to provide chat functionality through web interfaces, making it a prime target for exploitation in web-based attack scenarios.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user-supplied input within the setup parameter of the csChatRBox.cgi script. When the application processes this parameter, it directly feeds the input into Perl's eval function without adequate sanitization or validation measures. This design flaw creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted and executed as Perl code, effectively bypassing all standard input validation mechanisms. The eval function in Perl is inherently dangerous when used with untrusted input, as it executes code dynamically at runtime, making it a common target for injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete command execution capabilities on the affected server. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to run arbitrary Perl code, which can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable version of csChat-R-Box, making it particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or web applications where multiple users may be accessing the same infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and maps directly to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Perl." The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability does not require authentication or specialized privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can access the web application. Organizations running this vulnerable software face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected software to remove the unsafe eval usage and implement proper input validation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, while establishing strict input sanitization measures that prevent any user-controlled data from being processed through dynamic code execution functions. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The remediation process must also include monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts and implementing comprehensive logging to track access patterns to the vulnerable script.