CVE-2006-4506 in Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE
idmlib.sh in nxdrv in Novell Identity Manager (IDM) 3.0.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors, possibly involving the " (quote) and \ (backslash) characters and eval injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4506 resides within the idmlib.sh script component of Novell Identity Manager version 3.0.1, specifically within the nxdrv module. This represents a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems through improper handling of shell command construction. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the shell script, creating an environment where malicious command injection can occur.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of shell command execution contexts where the idmlib.sh script fails to properly escape or sanitize special characters including quotation marks and backslashes. When these characters are processed within shell contexts without proper sanitization, they can be interpreted by the shell interpreter as command delimiters or escape sequences, allowing attackers to inject additional commands that will be executed with the privileges of the affected process. This type of vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw that directly relates to CWE-77 and CWE-94, which address improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution and improper control of generation of code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of Novell Identity Manager. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the local user level, meaning that any user with access to the system can exploit it to execute commands that may have elevated privileges, depending on how the nxdrv service operates. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Novell Identity Manager version 3.0.1 to the latest available security updates from Novell. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures within shell scripts, particularly when handling user-supplied data or configuration parameters. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the execution scope of the nxdrv service, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in shell scripting components. Additionally, implementing proper command execution frameworks that avoid direct shell interpretation of user data can prevent similar injection attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in shell environments and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for executing shell commands, highlighting the need for robust input validation and sanitization controls in all system components that interact with shell interpreters.