CVE-2007-4399 in irssi
Summary
by MITRE
CRLF injection vulnerability in the xmms.bx 1.0 script for BitchX allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary IRC commands via CRLF sequences in the name of the song in a .mp3 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2018
The CVE-2007-4399 vulnerability represents a critical CRLF injection flaw in the xmms.bx 1.0 script component of the BitchX IRC client software. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of song metadata within .mp3 files, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious command sequences into IRC communications. The flaw exists in the way the script processes and displays song information, particularly when the song name contains CRLF (Carriage Return Line Feed) sequences that are typically used to terminate lines in network protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the xmms.bx script. When BitchX processes an .mp3 file containing a song name with embedded CRLF sequences, the script fails to properly escape or filter these control characters before incorporating them into IRC protocol communications. This oversight allows attackers to craft specially formatted .mp3 files that, when played through the affected software, trigger the injection of arbitrary IRC commands. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where the script interacts with IRC servers, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through user-assisted remote attacks without requiring direct server access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command injection, as it enables attackers to manipulate IRC client behavior in potentially severe ways. An attacker could use this vulnerability to execute commands such as joining or parting channels, sending messages to users, or even disconnecting the victim from the IRC network. The CRLF injection allows for protocol-level manipulation that can disrupt normal IRC communications, potentially leading to denial of service conditions or unauthorized access to IRC channels. This vulnerability particularly affects users who frequently exchange media files in IRC environments, as the attack vector requires only that a victim play a maliciously crafted .mp3 file, making it highly exploitable in social engineering scenarios.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-113, which addresses improper neutralization of CRLF sequences in HTTP headers, and demonstrates the broader category of injection flaws that plague many network protocols. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables arbitrary command execution through legitimate client interfaces. The vulnerability also reflects the principle of least privilege violations, as it allows unauthorized command execution within the context of the IRC client's privileges. Organizations and individuals using BitchX or similar IRC clients should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions, implementing network-level filtering to prevent malicious .mp3 file transfers, and educating users about the risks of playing untrusted media files within IRC environments.
The remediation approach for CVE-2007-4399 requires both immediate patching of the affected software components and implementation of input sanitization measures. System administrators should ensure that all instances of BitchX are updated to versions that properly escape CRLF sequences in metadata processing. Additionally, network security controls should be implemented to filter or scan media file transfers within IRC channels. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation in all application components, particularly those that interact with network protocols where control characters can have unintended consequences. Regular security audits of IRC client configurations and user access controls can help prevent exploitation of similar injection vulnerabilities in other components of IRC infrastructure.