CVE-2005-1358 in text.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
text.cgi script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1358 represents a critical command injection flaw in the text.cgi script that operates within web server environments. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the script's argument handling process. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the script fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into shell commands, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary shell metacharacters that execute with the privileges of the web server process.
This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into shell commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector exploits the script's failure to implement proper input filtering, allowing attackers to append shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks to the argument parameter. When the web server processes these malicious inputs, it executes the unintended shell commands as part of the normal script operation, potentially granting attackers full control over the underlying system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive system files, modify or delete data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable text.cgi script and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform reconnaissance activities, deploy malware, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where the web server operates with elevated privileges, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1358 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent shell metacharacters from being interpreted as command syntax. The most effective remediation involves using parameterized interfaces or proper escaping functions that treat user input as data rather than executable code. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege by running web server processes with minimal required permissions and consider using web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other scripts and applications within the system infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script injection techniques, highlighting the importance of input validation as a primary defense mechanism against such attacks.