CVE-2002-2201 in Webmin
Summary
by MITRE
The Printer Administration module for Webmin 0.990 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the printer name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2201 affects the Printer Administration module within Webmin version 0.990 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web-based administration interface, specifically targeting the printer name parameter that is processed without proper escaping or filtering of special shell characters. The flaw exists in the context of web application security where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system command execution without appropriate sanitization measures, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that aligns with common software security weaknesses documented in the CWE database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user input within the printer name field of the Webmin administration module. When administrators or attackers provide printer names containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are not properly escaped or filtered before being passed to underlying system commands. This allows attackers to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the Webmin process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and system command execution, where the application fails to implement proper input validation techniques that would prevent the injection of shell metacharacters into command strings. This flaw directly relates to CWE-78 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-94 which addresses the execution of arbitrary code through the injection of commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2201 extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying operating system and all resources available to the Webmin service. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system files, execute malicious code, establish persistent backdoors, or perform reconnaissance activities to map the target environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for systems exposed to public networks. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to command and control, privilege escalation, and execution through web applications, as it allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the web server process.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Webmin version 1.000 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and validation. Additional protective measures include restricting access to the Webmin interface through firewall rules, implementing network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The remediation process should also involve reviewing all user permissions and implementing the principle of least privilege to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected applications and ensure that proper input validation mechanisms are implemented across all web applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input sanitization and the critical need for proper command execution practices in web-based administrative interfaces, particularly those that interact with system-level functions such as printer management.