CVE-2008-0932 in Diatheke Front End
Summary
by MITRE
diatheke.pl in The SWORD Project Diatheke 1.5.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the range parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0932 affects The SWORD Project Diatheke version 1.5.9 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. This vulnerability exists within the diatheke.pl script which serves as a command-line interface for accessing biblical texts through the SWORD Project framework. The flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied input through the range parameter without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject shell metacharacters that get interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the diatheke.pl script where the range parameter is directly incorporated into shell commands without proper escaping or filtering of special characters. When an attacker provides malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the shell as command delimiters or operators, allowing the execution of unintended commands on the target system. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and aligns with the broader category of CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage the command injection to perform actions such as data exfiltration, system enumeration, privilege escalation, or even persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects systems where Diatheke is deployed as a web service or command-line interface, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application processes untrusted input from remote users. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or further lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the diatheke.pl script. The most effective approach involves escaping or filtering special shell metacharacters from user-provided input before incorporating them into system commands, thereby preventing the interpretation of malicious commands. Additionally, implementing proper privilege separation where the application runs with minimal required permissions can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider parameterized command execution where possible, avoiding direct shell command construction from user input entirely. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in security-conscious development practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for robust defenses against command injection attacks in software applications.