CVE-2005-2111 in Community Link Pro Web Editor
Summary
by MITRE
login.cgi in Community Link Pro Web Editor allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2111 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Community Link Pro Web Editor software, specifically affecting the login.cgi component. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of user input through the file parameter, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted payloads that bypass normal authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core of the web editor's authentication process, potentially granting unauthorized access to system resources and administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the file parameter within the login.cgi script, which processes user authentication requests. When a user submits login credentials, the application accepts the file parameter without proper sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the context of the web server process. This represents a CWE-77 command injection vulnerability, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into command execution contexts without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests that target the vulnerable web interface, making exploitation accessible over standard network connections without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2111 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially escalating to system-level access depending on the underlying operating system configuration. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, establish persistent access through backdoors, and exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised system. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system utilities to execute malicious commands. Organizations running Community Link Pro Web Editor are at significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in command execution contexts. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads and implement proper access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable components. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability represents a known flaw that has existed for many years. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar injection vulnerabilities in other application components, particularly those handling user input in critical system functions.