CVE-2002-2113 in HTMLsearch
Summary
by MITRE
search.cgi in AGH HTMLsearch 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the template parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2113 affects AGH HTMLsearch version 1.0 through a critical flaw in the search.cgi script that processes user input without proper sanitization. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability where the template parameter is directly incorporated into shell commands without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server. The flaw resides in the application's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding practices, which are fundamental security controls recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project and other industry standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of proper parameter sanitization within the CGI script. When users provide input through the template parameter, the application constructs shell commands by concatenating user-supplied data directly into system execution calls. This pattern violates the principle of least privilege and allows attackers to inject shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that are interpreted by the underlying shell. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and CWE-94 which addresses improper control of generation of code, both of which are categorized under the broader category of code injection flaws in the CWE hierarchy.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to affected systems as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers. Once exploited, an attacker can gain complete control over the server hosting the AGH HTMLsearch application, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The impact extends beyond immediate command execution to include potential privilege escalation, persistence mechanisms, and the ability to use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other network resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically requires minimal privileges and can be automated for widespread impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2113 should focus on immediate patching of the affected application to version 1.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, proxy servers, and application-level controls to prevent malicious payloads from reaching the vulnerable script. The implementation of proper parameter escaping and the use of secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and the principle of least privilege should be enforced. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, with security teams implementing automated vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Regular security assessments and adherence to secure coding standards should be mandatory to prevent such vulnerabilities from occurring in future software deployments.