CVE-2002-2420 in Super Site Searcher
Summary
by MITRE
site_searcher.cgi in Super Site Searcher allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2420 affects the site_searcher.cgi component within Super Site Searcher software, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input within the page parameter, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input before processing it through shell commands. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that are then interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system, potentially granting full system control to remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding practices within the Super Site Searcher application. When the page parameter is submitted to site_searcher.cgi, the software constructs shell commands without adequate sanitization of user-provided data, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate the command execution flow. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and more specifically to CWE-94 which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of input validation failure and shell command construction, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal application security controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe implications for affected systems as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication or privileged access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise as attackers can use the executed commands to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or deploy additional malicious payloads. This vulnerability particularly affects web servers running Super Site Searcher software, making organizations with exposed web applications highly susceptible to exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2420 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Super Site Searcher installations with vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent shell metacharacter injection, including proper escaping of special characters and implementing allow-list validation for all user-supplied parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by detecting and blocking malicious command injection attempts. Security monitoring should include log analysis for suspicious command execution patterns and anomalous user behavior. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through shell interfaces, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and input validation controls. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.