CVE-2005-1992 in ruby
Summary
by MITRE
The XMLRPC server in utils.rb for the ruby library (libruby) 1.8 sets an invalid default value that prevents "security protection" using handlers, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1992 represents a critical security flaw in the ruby library's xmlrpc server implementation within the utils.rb file. This issue stems from an improperly configured default value that fundamentally undermines the security mechanisms designed to protect the system from unauthorized access. The flaw specifically affects ruby library version 1.8 and creates a pathway for remote attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables full system compromise through the exploitation of the xmlrpc server functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the ruby library's xmlrpc server component where the default configuration fails to properly initialize security handlers. When the xmlrpc server processes incoming requests, it relies on these handlers to validate and sanitize input before executing any operations. However, due to the invalid default value in utils.rb, these security protections are effectively disabled or rendered ineffective. This misconfiguration allows attackers to craft malicious xmlrpc requests that can traverse the security boundaries and execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the running service. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for systems running ruby applications that utilize xmlrpc services. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects the core ruby library, meaning that any application built on ruby that uses xmlrpc functionality could be compromised. Organizations running ruby-based web services, api endpoints, or any xmlrpc-enabled applications would be at risk, particularly in environments where these services are exposed to untrusted networks or the internet.
The security implications of CVE-2005-1992 align with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and CWE-94, which covers external control of code execution. This vulnerability also maps to attack patterns within the mitre attack framework where adversaries may leverage remote code execution capabilities to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and move laterally within compromised networks. The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting specially formatted xmlrpc requests that trigger the insecure default behavior, potentially allowing attackers to execute system commands, access sensitive files, or modify application behavior. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the ruby library, disabling xmlrpc functionality where possible, and implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to xmlrpc endpoints. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual xmlrpc activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.