CVE-2005-2812 in man2web
Summary
by MITRE
man2web allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via -P arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2812 affects the man2web utility, which is designed to convert manual pages into web format for online viewing. This tool typically processes manual pages from the system's man database and generates HTML output for web browsers. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the command line argument processing mechanism, specifically when handling the -P parameter. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input through the -P argument that gets passed directly to underlying system commands without proper sanitization or escaping. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the user running the man2web utility.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the man2web application handles command line parameters, particularly the -P option which is intended to specify a particular man page to convert. When an attacker provides crafted input through this parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into system command execution. This behavior aligns with CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for input validation and command construction. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the utility might be accessible to unauthenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote attackers with arbitrary command execution capabilities on systems running vulnerable versions of man2web. An attacker could potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive system files, install malware, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects systems where man2web is installed and accessible, potentially including web servers, development environments, or any system where this utility might be exposed to network traffic. The remote exploit capability means that attackers do not need physical access or local network presence to leverage the vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for publicly accessible systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and parameter sanitization within the man2web utility. System administrators should ensure that vulnerable versions are updated or patched through official vendor channels, as this vulnerability represents a known security flaw that requires direct code modification or replacement. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation for all command line parameters, particularly those that are passed directly to system commands. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the man2web utility to untrusted networks. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege by running the utility with minimal necessary permissions can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper command construction in preventing command injection attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution.