CVE-2002-2365 in Simple WAIS
Summary
by MITRE
Simple WAIS (SWAIS) 1.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the shell metacharacters in the search field, as demonstrated using the "|" (pipe) character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2365 affects Simple WAIS (SWAIS) version 1.11, a web-based information system that provides access to WAIS (Wide Area Information Servers) databases. This flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input submitted through the search field, creating an avenue for malicious command execution through shell metacharacters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the SWAIS application's search functionality. When users submit search queries containing shell metacharacters such as the pipe character "|", the application does not adequately filter or escape these special characters before processing them within the system's shell context. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct path for command injection attacks where attacker-controlled commands can be executed with the privileges of the web application process. The pipe character serves as a powerful metacharacter in Unix-like shell environments, allowing command chaining and output redirection, making it particularly dangerous in this context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system without requiring authentication or prior access. This creates a severe security risk where attackers can potentially gain full control over the affected server, extract sensitive data, modify system files, or establish persistent access through backdoor creation. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system by allowing unauthorized command execution that can be used to compromise the entire server environment. Given that this vulnerability existed in a web-based information system, it could be exploited through simple web browser interactions without requiring specialized tools or extensive technical knowledge.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')". The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly in search and query fields. The recommended approach involves implementing proper shell escaping mechanisms, using parameterized queries where possible, and employing input validation that rejects or neutralizes special characters. Additionally, privilege separation should be implemented to ensure that the web application runs with minimal necessary permissions, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems.