CVE-2004-1274 in greed
Summary
by MITRE
The DownloadLoop function in main.c for greed 0.81p allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a GRX file containing a filename with shell metacharacters.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1274 resides within the greed 0.81p software suite, specifically in the DownloadLoop function located in the main.c source file. This represents a classic command injection flaw that emerges from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data. The software's handling of GRX files demonstrates a critical failure in parsing filename parameters, where shell metacharacters are not adequately escaped or filtered before being processed in system calls. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a direct descendant of well-known command injection patterns that have plagued software systems for decades.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with arbitrary code execution capabilities on systems running the affected greed software. When a malicious GRX file containing shell metacharacters is processed, the DownloadLoop function essentially constructs system commands using unvalidated user input, creating a pathway for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the running process. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and represents a fundamental breach in the software's security model where input validation fails to prevent malicious payloads from being executed within the system's command execution context. The flaw essentially transforms a legitimate file processing function into a potential weapon for remote code execution.
Systems utilizing greed 0.81p are particularly vulnerable when they process untrusted GRX files from external sources, as the attack surface expands to include any user who can influence the content of these files. The vulnerability is exploitable over remote network connections when the software processes files through its DownloadLoop function, making it a significant concern for networked environments where file sharing or automated downloading occurs. Organizations using this software without proper input sanitization measures face potential compromise of their entire system, as the executed commands can leverage the privileges of the affected application to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires minimal technical expertise, as it leverages well-understood patterns of command injection that have been documented in security literature for years.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1274 must focus on input validation and sanitization at multiple layers of the application stack. The most effective approach involves implementing proper escaping or encoding of shell metacharacters within the DownloadLoop function, ensuring that all user-supplied filenames are validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable characters. Organizations should consider adopting secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations for preventing command injection attacks, including the implementation of parameterized commands and the use of safe string manipulation functions. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that the affected software is either patched to a version that addresses this vulnerability or isolated from untrusted network environments. The remediation process should also include network segmentation to limit the attack surface and monitoring for suspicious file processing activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the software ecosystem that may be susceptible to command injection attacks.