CVE-2007-6610 in unp
Summary
by MITRE
unp 1.0.12, and other versions before 1.0.14, does not properly escape file names, which might allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a filename argument. NOTE: this might only be a vulnerability when unp is invoked by a third party product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6610 affects the unp utility version 1.0.12 and earlier versions before 1.0.14, representing a critical command injection flaw that exploits improper handling of file names within the application's argument processing. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape special shell metacharacters present in file names, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests when the unp utility processes file names that contain shell special characters such as semicolons, ampersands, backticks, or pipe symbols. These characters, when not properly escaped or filtered, can be interpreted by the underlying shell as command separators or operators, allowing attackers to inject additional commands beyond the intended file processing operations. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, known as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command," which is a well-documented weakness in command execution contexts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates in a context-dependent manner, meaning its exploitability is heavily reliant on how the application is invoked and integrated within larger software ecosystems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when the unp utility is invoked by third-party applications. Attackers who can control or influence file names passed to the utility can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on the target system. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous in environments where unp is used as part of automated processing pipelines or integrated into web applications, where user-supplied file names might be processed without proper sanitization. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Shell Script," which describes how adversaries can leverage shell command execution capabilities to gain unauthorized access and control over systems.
The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means it may not be exploitable in all scenarios, but its potential for abuse increases significantly when the application is integrated into larger software frameworks or invoked by other programs. Organizations using affected versions of unp should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to 1.0.14 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly escape shell metacharacters in file name arguments. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation at all levels where file names are processed, deploying application whitelisting policies, and ensuring proper sandboxing of file processing operations to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.