CVE-2005-3056 in Twiki
Summary
by MITRE
TWiki allows arbitrary shell command execution via the Include function
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3056 represents a critical security flaw in TWiki, a popular web-based collaborative platform for creating and managing wiki content. This vulnerability specifically targets the Include function within TWiki's markup processing system, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands on the affected server. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Include function, enabling malicious actors to inject and execute system commands through specially crafted wiki markup. The vulnerability affects TWiki versions prior to 4.0.1, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of this wiki platform in enterprise and organizational environments where collaborative documentation and knowledge management are essential.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when TWiki processes wiki markup containing the Include function, which is designed to embed external content or execute server-side operations. When user-supplied input is not properly sanitized, attackers can inject shell commands that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the web server process. This typically involves crafting malicious Include directives that contain command injection payloads, allowing the attacker to leverage the server's operating system capabilities directly through the wiki interface. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various vectors including direct input manipulation, file upload scenarios, or by manipulating existing wiki pages that contain Include statements. The flaw is categorized under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')", which is a well-established weakness in software security that has been consistently identified across numerous applications and platforms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server's operating system. Successful exploitation enables unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access through backdoor installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, establish command and control channels, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The implications extend beyond immediate system compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited to maintain long-term access through the installation of persistent malware or rootkits. Organizations using TWiki without proper patching or mitigation measures face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive documents, user data, and business-critical information stored within the wiki environment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through vulnerable applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3056 should prioritize immediate patching of affected TWiki installations to version 4.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent command injection through the Include function. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious input from reaching the vulnerable processing functions. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of TWiki systems to untrusted users, while regular security audits and monitoring of system logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary features, implementing web application firewalls, and establishing proper user access controls to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing command injection attacks, reinforcing the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain visibility into their security posture through continuous monitoring and threat intelligence integration.