CVE-2005-2847 in Barracuda Spam Firewall
Summary
by MITRE
img.pl in Barracuda Spam Firewall running firmware 3.1.16 and 3.1.17 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the f parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2847 represents a critical remote command execution flaw within the Barracuda Spam Firewall appliance. This security weakness exists in firmware versions 3.1.16 and 3.1.17 of the Barracuda Spam Firewall product, specifically affecting the img.pl script component. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before processing. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting shell metacharacters into the f parameter of the img.pl script, thereby gaining unauthorized access to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, which specifically addresses command injection flaws, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic input validation bypass where the img.pl script does not adequately sanitize user input before using it in system calls or shell operations. When the f parameter contains malicious shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell and executed as part of the command chain. This allows an attacker to chain multiple commands together, potentially escalating privileges and gaining full system control. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the web application level, requiring no special authentication for exploitation, and can be triggered through simple HTTP requests. The impact extends beyond simple command execution to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and denial of service conditions.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for organizations utilizing affected Barracuda Spam Firewall appliances. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, install malware, or use the appliance as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core security functionality of the appliance, potentially leaving email traffic unfiltered and exposing the organization to spam, malware, and other email-based threats. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and significant reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the Barracuda Spam Firewall is commonly deployed as a perimeter security device, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to infiltrate enterprise networks. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad, compromising both confidentiality and integrity of the email security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2847 should include immediate firmware updates from Barracuda to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations must also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected appliance to untrusted networks. Web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious command injection patterns in network traffic. Input validation should be strengthened at all application interfaces, with proper sanitization and escaping of user-supplied data before any processing occurs. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual command execution patterns and shell metacharacter usage in web application logs. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls to restrict direct access to the appliance's management interfaces and web services. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices to prevent similar command injection flaws in web applications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other network security devices and applications.