CVE-2005-3330 in Snoopy
Summary
by MITRE
The _httpsrequest function in Snoopy 1.2, as used in products such as (1) MagpieRSS, (2) WordPress, (3) Ampache, and (4) Jinzora, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in an HTTPS URL to an SSL protected web page, which is not properly handled by the fetch function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3330 represents a critical command injection flaw in the Snoopy library version 1.2 that affects numerous web applications and content management systems. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the _httpsrequest function, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data when processing HTTPS URLs. The flaw specifically manifests when the fetch function handles SSL protected web pages, creating an environment where malicious actors can exploit shell metacharacters embedded in HTTPS URLs to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple platforms including MagpieRSS, WordPress, Ampache, and Jinzora, indicating a widespread exposure that affects various web application categories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper handling of special characters within URL parsing mechanisms. When the _httpsrequest function processes an HTTPS URL containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, the function fails to properly escape or filter these characters before passing them to underlying system commands. This creates a direct path for command injection attacks where attackers can append malicious commands to legitimate URLs, effectively bypassing normal security controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to execute unintended commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3330 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable systems without requiring authentication or physical access. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based interfaces, API endpoints, or any application component that utilizes the affected Snoopy library. Attackers can potentially gain full system control, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple applications and frameworks means that organizations using any of the affected products face significant risk, as a single vulnerable component can compromise entire web applications and their underlying infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating to patched versions of the Snoopy library, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, and applying web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, and conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable library within their infrastructure. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure compatibility while maintaining security posture, and should be complemented by security awareness training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom code implementations. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of insecure command execution patterns in web applications.