CVE-2007-0404 in Django
Summary
by MITRE
bin/compile-messages.py in Django 0.95 does not quote argument strings before invoking the msgfmt program through the os.system function, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a (1) .po or (2) .mo file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0404 resides within the Django web application framework version 0.95, specifically in the bin/compile-messages.py script responsible for processing internationalization files. This flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that exploits improper input sanitization during the compilation of message catalogs. The vulnerability occurs when the script processes .po or .mo files containing specially crafted shell metacharacters within their content, which are then passed directly to the os.system function without proper shell escaping or quoting mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of user-supplied data within the Django framework's internationalization workflow. When Django processes translation files to generate compiled message catalogs, the compile-messages.py script invokes the msgfmt program through os.system calls without adequately sanitizing the input strings. This design flaw allows attackers to inject shell commands by embedding metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks within the .po or .mo files themselves. The absence of proper argument quoting creates an environment where malicious payloads can be executed with the privileges of the user running the Django compilation process, typically a system administrator or web server user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker who can upload or modify .po or .mo files within the Django application's translation directory can execute arbitrary commands on the system, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where user input is processed without proper validation, as it allows for remote code execution through the translation file processing pipeline. The attack vector requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the malicious payload is contained within the translation files themselves, making it difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution through shell commands. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental security principle violation in input handling and process invocation. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Django, implementing proper input validation for translation files, and restricting write permissions to translation directories. Additionally, security controls should monitor for unusual file modifications in internationalization directories and implement network segmentation to limit potential exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input sanitization and secure coding practices when invoking system commands through user-supplied data.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices in web frameworks and the potential for seemingly benign functionality to become attack vectors. This issue underscores the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle and proper validation of all user inputs. Organizations utilizing Django or similar frameworks should conduct thorough security assessments of their applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in command invocation patterns and implement robust input validation mechanisms to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of their software stack.