CVE-2006-6678 in Netrik
Summary
by MITRE
The edit_textarea function in form-file.c in Netrik 1.15.4 and earlier does not properly verify temporary filenames when editing textarea fields, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6678 resides within the Netrik web application framework version 1.15.4 and earlier, specifically within the edit_textarea function located in the form-file.c module. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of temporary filenames used during textarea field editing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user-supplied data that contains shell metacharacters within temporary filename specifications, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate the system's command execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection pattern where the application fails to properly sanitize user-controllable input before incorporating it into system commands. When users interact with textarea fields in the Netrik interface, the system generates temporary filenames to store intermediate data during editing sessions. However, the edit_textarea function does not adequately validate or escape these temporary filenames, allowing attackers to inject shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that can trigger unintended command execution. This weakness directly maps to CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a fundamental failure in input sanitization practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the web application user. This could potentially lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install malware, or perform reconnaissance activities that would otherwise be impossible through normal application interaction. The vulnerability affects any system running Netrik 1.15.4 or earlier versions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the web application interface.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Netrik version 1.15.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the temporary filename validation issues. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation to limit potential exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script injection, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the multi-stage nature of attacks that could exploit this weakness. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews of similar functions within their application portfolios to identify potential analogues of this vulnerability and ensure proper input sanitization practices are implemented across all system components.