CVE-2007-6515 in Sitescape Forum St
Summary
by MITRE
support/dispatch.cgi in SiteScape Forum allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary TCL code via code separator characters in the query string.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6515 affects the SiteScape Forum software, specifically targeting the support/dispatch.cgi component. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary TCL code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the query string processing mechanism of the CGI script. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious query parameters containing code separator characters that bypass normal input filtering, allowing them to inject TCL commands directly into the application's execution environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input within the CGI script's parameter parsing logic. When the support/dispatch.cgi script processes incoming HTTP requests, it fails to adequately sanitize or validate the query string parameters before using them in TCL command execution contexts. This lack of proper input validation creates a direct path for code injection attacks where malicious payloads can be interpreted and executed by the TCL interpreter. The vulnerability specifically leverages the way the application handles code separator characters that are commonly used in TCL scripting to delineate commands or expressions, effectively allowing attackers to chain multiple commands or inject complex malicious code sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the SiteScape Forum application and underlying infrastructure. Organizations running this software face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious query parameters from reaching the TCL execution context. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out or escapes code separator characters and other potentially dangerous input patterns. Organizations should also consider applying patches or updates from the software vendor, if available, and implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traffic patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and reflects techniques commonly mapped to attack patterns in the ATT&CK framework under the "Command and Scripting Interpreter" and "Exploitation for Client Execution" domains. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications and systems that may be susceptible to similar injection attacks.