CVE-2002-2047 in Sketch
Summary
by MITRE
The file preview functionality in Sketch 0.6.12 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the filename of an encapsulated Postscript (EPS) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2047 represents a critical command injection flaw within the file preview mechanism of Sketch version 0.6.12 and earlier implementations. This security weakness specifically targets the application's handling of encapsulated postscript file formats, where the software fails to properly sanitize user-supplied filenames before processing them within a shell context. The flaw enables malicious actors to craft specially formatted EPS files containing shell metacharacters that, when processed by the preview functionality, get interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system shell.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of filename parameters within EPS file structures, where the application's preview feature directly incorporates user-provided data into shell command execution sequences without adequate input validation or sanitization. This primitive command injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-78 category, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a classic example of how file handling routines can become attack vectors when insufficient sanitization measures are implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where untrusted input from external sources is treated as trusted code execution context.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to users who may inadvertently open maliciously crafted EPS files through the Sketch application's preview functionality. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems with the privileges of the user running the Sketch application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that EPS files are commonly used in graphic design workflows and may be shared through various channels including email attachments, collaborative platforms, or web downloads. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate file preview feature into a potential attack vector for remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where design applications are frequently used.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Sketch versions to 0.6.13 or later, which would contain the necessary input validation fixes to prevent shell metacharacter injection. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic preview of untrusted file types, particularly those that may contain embedded shell command sequences. Security measures should include disabling automatic file preview functionality for potentially dangerous file formats, implementing proper input sanitization at multiple layers, and establishing network-level controls to restrict access to vulnerable applications. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that limit which applications can execute shell commands, and employ monitoring solutions that detect unusual command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, emphasizing the importance of preventing command injection through proper input validation and privilege separation.