CVE-2006-0628 in myquiz
Summary
by MITRE
myquiz.pl in Dale Ray MyQuiz 1.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the URL, which are not properly handled as part of the PATH_INFO environment variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0628 represents a critical command injection flaw in the myquiz.pl script component of Dale Ray MyQuiz version 1.01. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application's handling of the PATH_INFO environment variable, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability specifically targets the way the application processes URL parameters that are passed through the PATH_INFO variable, which is a standard HTTP server mechanism used to convey additional path information to CGI scripts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing shell metacharacters that are then interpreted by the underlying operating system. The myquiz.pl script fails to properly sanitize or escape these metacharacters before incorporating them into system commands or shell invocations. This improper handling of user-supplied input directly violates fundamental security principles and creates a direct attack surface where attacker-controlled data can be executed as shell commands. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with potentially full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the target system. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system file manipulation, privilege escalation, or even complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the affected system, making it a critical concern for any organization running the vulnerable software. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or deploy additional malware payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through software updates and input validation improvements. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of Dale Ray MyQuiz or implement proper input sanitization measures that filter or escape special shell characters before they are processed. The implementation of proper parameter validation and the use of secure coding practices, such as input whitelisting and proper command construction, can prevent this class of vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block malicious URL patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 for Valid Accounts, as it allows for system command execution and potential privilege escalation. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should also be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.