CVE-2005-0363 in awstats
Summary
by MITRE
awstats.pl in AWStats 4.0 and 6.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the config parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0363 represents a critical command injection flaw in the AWStats web statistics tool version 4.0 and 6.2. AWStats is a widely used open-source tool for analyzing web server logs and generating detailed reports about website traffic, user behavior, and server performance. This particular vulnerability exists within the awstats.pl script which serves as the primary interface for processing configuration parameters and generating reports. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the script's handling of the config parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the config parameter in the awstats.pl script. When an attacker crafts a malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or command substitution operators, the script fails to properly sanitize this input before using it in system calls. This allows the attacker to append and execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection issue that aligns with CWE-77, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed through a simple web request, making it highly exploitable in automated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate command execution capabilities and encompasses significant security implications for affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the web server hosting AWStats, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or use as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects systems where AWStats is installed and accessible via web interface, particularly those running older versions of the software that have not received security updates. Organizations using this tool in production environments face substantial risk as the exploit can be automated and does not require advanced technical skills to execute, making it attractive to both skilled attackers and script kiddies. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles of input validation and privilege separation, as the web application should never execute system commands without proper sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0363 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution is to upgrade to a patched version of AWStats, as the vulnerability has been resolved in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious command injection patterns in the config parameter. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, ensuring that the web server process runs with minimal necessary privileges. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to AWStats interfaces. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering of shell metacharacters and regular security audits of web applications, can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures against command injection attacks.