CVE-2005-2849 in Barracuda Spam Firewall
Summary
by MITRE
Argument injection vulnerability in Barracuda Spam Firewall running firmware 3.1.16 and 3.1.17 allows remote attackers to (1) read portions of source code via the -f option to Dig (dig_device.cgi), (2) determine file existence via the -r argument to Tcpdump (tcpdump_device.cgi) or (3) modify files in the cgi-bin directory via the -w argument to Tcpdump.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2018
The CVE-2005-2849 vulnerability represents a critical argument injection flaw in Barracuda Spam Firewall firmware versions 3.1.16 and 3.1.17 that demonstrates the dangerous consequences of improper input validation in network security appliances. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and exploits command-line argument handling within the firewall's web interface components, specifically targeting the dig and tcpdump utilities that are commonly used for network diagnostics and monitoring. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied parameters passed to these system utilities, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution, and represents a classic example of command injection that can escalate to full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors that leverage different arguments of system utilities accessible via the firewall's web interface. The first vector involves using the -f option to the dig utility through the dig_device.cgi component, allowing attackers to read portions of source code by manipulating the command-line arguments. This technique demonstrates how attackers can bypass normal access controls to obtain sensitive information about the system's internal workings. The second vector exploits the -r argument to tcpdump through tcpdump_device.cgi, enabling attackers to determine file existence on the system by observing the responses from tcpdump's file system queries. This reconnaissance capability allows adversaries to map the target system's file structure and identify potential targets for further exploitation. The third and most severe vector utilizes the -w argument to tcpdump, which permits attackers to modify files within the cgi-bin directory, effectively allowing them to inject malicious code or overwrite existing binaries with compromised versions. This vector directly enables privilege escalation and persistent access to the compromised system.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2849 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with multiple paths to achieve complete system compromise and persistent access. The ability to read source code portions through the dig utility creates potential for advanced reconnaissance, allowing attackers to identify additional vulnerabilities or understand the system's architecture in greater detail. The file existence checking capability through tcpdump enables attackers to build comprehensive profiles of the target system, identifying sensitive files and directories that could be targeted for exploitation. The file modification capability via tcpdump's -w argument represents the most dangerous aspect, as it allows attackers to directly modify the firewall's own web interface components, potentially creating backdoors or replacing legitimate binaries with malicious versions. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with the ability to subvert the firewall's intended security function, turning it into a tool for further attacks rather than a protective barrier.
Organizations running affected Barracuda Spam Firewall firmware versions face significant risks including complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security appliances are exposed to untrusted networks. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands and modify system files. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as it allows web-based access to system utilities that should typically be restricted to administrative users or system processes only. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to versions that address these command injection flaws, network segmentation to limit access to the firewall's web interface, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in network security appliances, particularly when system utilities are exposed through web interfaces, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components.