CVE-2008-3074 in tar.vim
Summary
by MITRE
The shellescape function in Vim 7.0 through 7.2, including 7.2a.10, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via the "!" (exclamation point) shell metacharacter in (1) the filename of a tar archive and possibly (2) the filename of the first file in a tar archive, which is not properly handled by the VIM TAR plugin (tar.vim) v.10 through v.22, as demonstrated by the shellescape, tarplugin.v2, tarplugin, and tarplugin.updated test cases. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2712. NOTE: this issue has the same root cause as CVE-2008-3075. NOTE: due to the complexity of the associated disclosures and the incomplete information related to them, there may be inaccuracies in this CVE description and in external mappings to this identifier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3074 represents a critical command injection flaw in Vim text editor versions 7.0 through 7.2, specifically affecting the tar.vim plugin version 10 through 22. This security issue stems from improper handling of shell metacharacters during tar archive operations, creating a pathway for remote code execution through user-assisted attacks. The vulnerability manifests when the shellescape function fails to properly sanitize filenames containing the "!" (exclamation point) shell metacharacter, which is commonly used in Unix-like systems to execute shell commands. The attack vector specifically targets the filename fields within tar archives, where maliciously crafted filenames can trigger unintended shell command execution when processed by Vim's tar plugin.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the VIM TAR plugin's handling of archive filenames, particularly when processing the filename of a tar archive itself and potentially the first file within that archive. When Vim encounters a tar archive with specially crafted filenames containing the exclamation point character, the shellescape function does not adequately escape these characters before passing them to shell commands. This incomplete sanitization allows attackers to inject arbitrary shell commands that execute with the privileges of the user running Vim. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate tar archive operations to achieve code execution, making it difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3074 extends beyond simple command injection to potentially enable full system compromise when users open malicious tar archives within Vim. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating tar archives containing filenames with shell metacharacters, which when opened through Vim's tar plugin, execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This issue is particularly concerning in environments where users frequently handle untrusted archive files, such as email attachments, file sharing systems, or collaborative development environments. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but could potentially be exploited in enterprise environments where Vim is used extensively for configuration file editing and system administration tasks. The security implications align with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and the attack patterns referenced in ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter.
The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2008-2712 demonstrates a pattern of incomplete security fixes, where previous remediation efforts failed to address all attack vectors within the same codebase. This incomplete fix approach creates additional exposure windows and highlights the complexity of securing software components that interface with system-level operations. The fact that CVE-2008-3075 shares the same root cause indicates a systemic weakness in the tar plugin's handling of shell metacharacters, suggesting that multiple related vulnerabilities may exist within the same component. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment of Vim's archive handling capabilities and implement comprehensive patching strategies. The remediation approach must address the core issue in the shellescape function and ensure proper shell command escaping across all tar archive operations, while also considering the broader implications for similar vulnerabilities in other software components that handle shell interactions.