CVE-2008-5517 in Git
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in git (gitweb) 1.5.x before 1.5.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters related to (1) git_snapshot and (2) git_object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5517 affects gitweb versions 1.5.x prior to 1.5.6, representing a critical command injection flaw in the web interface component of the git version control system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the gitweb application, specifically in how it processes user-supplied parameters during snapshot and object retrieval operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious shell metacharacters that are subsequently executed by the underlying system shell, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of user input in two distinct code paths within gitweb. When processing git_snapshot requests, the application fails to properly escape or filter special shell characters such as semicolons, pipes, backticks, and ampersands that could be used to chain commands. Similarly, during git_object processing, the same inadequate input validation allows for command injection through shell metacharacters. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-78, which specifically addresses the improper execution of system commands due to insufficient input sanitization. The vulnerability exists because gitweb directly incorporates user-supplied parameters into shell commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This could potentially allow an attacker to gain full control over the affected system, extract sensitive data, modify repository contents, or even escalate privileges to root access depending on the system configuration. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without any local system access, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible gitweb installations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct further attacks against internal network resources through the compromised gitweb server.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to version 1.5.6 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as firewall rules to restrict access to gitweb interfaces where possible, and consider implementing additional input validation at the web server level using mod_security or similar solutions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications, as command injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous classes of vulnerabilities in web environments.