CVE-2004-1175 in midnight commander
Summary
by MITRE
fish.c in midnight commander allows remote attackers execute arbitrary programs via "insecure filename quoting," possibly using shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1175 resides within the fish.c component of the midnight commander file management utility, a widely used ncurses-based file manager for unix-like systems. This flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that arises from improper handling of filename quoting during remote file operations. The issue specifically manifests when the application processes filenames that contain shell metacharacters, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of file management operations where users frequently interact with remote filesystems through protocols like ftp and sftp.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and shell command construction within the fish.c module. When midnight commander handles remote file operations, it constructs shell commands to execute various file system operations without properly escaping or quoting special characters present in filenames. This insecure programming practice allows attackers to inject shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, pipes, and backticks directly into the filename parameters. The flaw is categorized under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')", which is a fundamental weakness in software design that enables attackers to manipulate command execution flows. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper shell escaping mechanisms or parameter validation when incorporating user-supplied filenames into system commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1175 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who can manipulate filenames during remote file operations can potentially execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running midnight commander, which could be a regular user or even root in certain configurations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell" and represents a pathway for lateral movement and privilege escalation within network environments where midnight commander is deployed. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or when the application is used with elevated privileges, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector is primarily remote, making it accessible to attackers who can influence file names in remote filesystems through various means including malicious file transfers, compromised network services, or social engineering attacks that trick users into accepting infected files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level issues and broader security practices within the midnight commander application. The most effective approach involves implementing proper shell escaping and input validation mechanisms that ensure all user-supplied filenames are properly quoted and sanitized before being incorporated into shell commands. Security patches should enforce strict parameter validation and utilize safe system call interfaces that prevent shell metacharacter interpretation. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability, particularly in environments where midnight commander is used for remote file operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to security guidelines outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, specifically addressing the need for proper input validation and output encoding in applications that interact with system commands. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments are essential to maintain protection against similar flaws that may exist in other components of the file management infrastructure.