CVE-2007-2355 in Server3
Summary
by MITRE
The get_url function in DODS_Dispatch.pm for the CGI_server in OPeNDAP 3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2355 resides within the OPeNDAP 3 CGI_server implementation, specifically in the DODS_Dispatch.pm module where the get_url function processes incoming web requests. This flaw represents a critical command injection vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server through carefully crafted URL parameters containing shell metacharacters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the URL processing pipeline, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied URL data within the get_url function, which directly incorporates URL parameters into shell command execution contexts without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms. When a malicious user submits a URL containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the shell and executed as part of the command string. This creates a direct path for arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to perform actions such as file system manipulation, process execution, network scanning, or even privilege escalation depending on the server's security context.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations relying on OPeNDAP 3 servers for data distribution and access. The remote execution capability means attackers can compromise entire server infrastructures without requiring local access or authentication credentials. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Network reconnaissance activities can be conducted through the compromised server, and attackers may use the system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Security professionals should address this vulnerability through immediate patching of the affected OPeNDAP 3 installations, ensuring that all instances of the CGI_server are updated to versions that properly sanitize URL parameters before shell command execution. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to filter out or escape shell metacharacters from user-supplied data, implementing proper parameter sanitization techniques that prevent command injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to OPeNDAP services to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories related to command injection and improper input sanitization, and it maps to ATT&CK techniques involving command and script injection, privilege escalation, and defense evasion through system manipulation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of web server access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components.