CVE-2005-0516 in ImageGalleryPlugin
Summary
by MITRE
The ImageGalleryPlugin (ImageGalleryPlugin.pm) in Twiki allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via certain commands that generate thumbnails.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0516 represents a critical command injection flaw within the ImageGalleryPlugin component of the Twiki wiki software ecosystem. This security weakness specifically manifests in the plugin's thumbnail generation functionality, where certain user-supplied commands are improperly sanitized and directly executed within the system context. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper command construction within the plugin's codebase, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the thumbnail generation process through carefully crafted input parameters that are subsequently passed to system commands without adequate sanitization. This flaw falls under the category of command injection attacks, which are systematically catalogued under CWE-77 as improper neutralization of special elements used in a command. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to properly escape or validate user-provided data before incorporating it into system execution contexts, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying operating system and all resources accessible to the web server. This includes access to files, directories, and potentially other system resources that may contain sensitive data or provide further attack vectors. The vulnerability affects any system running Twiki with the ImageGalleryPlugin enabled, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users can contribute content or where the web server has elevated privileges. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that thumbnail generation is a common operation that may be triggered by various user activities, increasing the likelihood of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Twiki software components, as well as implementing input validation and sanitization measures to prevent command injection attacks. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious command execution patterns, while also ensuring that the web server process operates with minimal required privileges. The remediation process should include reviewing all plugin components for similar vulnerabilities and implementing proper parameter validation techniques. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, which emphasizes the need for proper input sanitization in web applications to prevent arbitrary code execution.