CVE-2005-1304 in citat.pl
Summary
by MITRE
The citat.pl script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary files via shell metacharacters in the argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The citat.pl script vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands through shell metacharacters in script arguments. This vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user input within a perl script designed for citation processing, creating an attack surface where malicious input can be interpreted as shell commands rather than simple data. The flaw fundamentally stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate script behavior through carefully crafted metacharacter sequences such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that are interpreted by the underlying shell.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability operates at the intersection of script execution and shell command interpretation, where user-supplied arguments are directly passed to shell functions without proper escaping or sanitization. This design flaw allows attackers to inject shell metacharacters that trigger unintended command execution, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and demonstrates the classic pattern of command injection attacks where user input flows directly into shell execution contexts without adequate filtering or encoding mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the script's execution context, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources, modifying files, or establishing persistent access through backdoor creation. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the citat.pl script is accessible over network interfaces. This vulnerability also facilitates lateral movement within networks as attackers can use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent shell metacharacter interpretation. The primary defense involves proper escaping of user input before shell execution, utilizing parameterized command execution where possible, or implementing strict input filtering that removes or encodes dangerous characters. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for script execution contexts, ensuring that citat.pl runs with minimal required permissions. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should limit exposure of vulnerable scripts to untrusted networks, while regular security auditing and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other script implementations. The remediation process should align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, emphasizing the importance of preventing malicious command execution through proper input handling and execution context management.