CVE-2005-2165 in GlobalNoteScript
Summary
by MITRE
read.cgi in GlobalNoteScript allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the file parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2165 represents a critical command injection flaw within the GlobalNoteScript application's read.cgi component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before processing it within a shell context. The vulnerability specifically affects the file parameter handling within the read.cgi script, creating an avenue for remote attackers to inject malicious shell commands through specially crafted metacharacters. The flaw exists at the intersection of insecure input handling and improper output encoding, allowing attackers to bypass intended security controls and execute unauthorized operations on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks within the file parameter of the read.cgi script. These metacharacters are interpreted by the underlying shell process, enabling the execution of arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web application process. The vulnerability manifests as a classic command injection attack vector where user input flows directly into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices that has been consistently identified across numerous applications over many years.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with substantial control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against other network resources. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how a single command injection flaw can enable multiple attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2165 must focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The primary remediation involves proper sanitization of user inputs before they are processed by any system commands, including the implementation of allow-list validation for file parameters and the use of parameterized command execution where possible. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that web application processes run with minimal required privileges. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the application architecture. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and anomalous network activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.