CVE-2009-4489 in Cherokee
Summary
by MITRE
header.c in Cherokee before 0.99.32 writes data to a log file without sanitizing non-printable characters, which might allow remote attackers to modify a window s title, or possibly execute arbitrary commands or overwrite files, via an HTTP request containing an escape sequence for a terminal emulator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4489 affects the Cherokee web server version 0.99.32 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the server's logging mechanism. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization within the header.c component, specifically when processing HTTP requests that contain non-printable characters or escape sequences. The vulnerability arises from the server's failure to properly sanitize log output, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by remote adversaries.
The technical flaw manifests when the Cherokee web server processes HTTP requests containing terminal escape sequences that are not properly filtered from log entries. These escape sequences, typically used for terminal control and formatting, can contain non-printable characters that when logged without sanitization may be interpreted by terminal emulators or other log processing tools. This creates a scenario where attackers can manipulate the display or behavior of terminal windows through crafted HTTP requests, potentially leading to more severe consequences including command execution or file system manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple terminal display manipulation to potentially enable arbitrary code execution and file system compromise. Attackers exploiting this weakness could craft HTTP requests containing malicious escape sequences that, when processed and logged by the vulnerable Cherokee server, might be interpreted by terminal emulators to execute unintended commands or overwrite critical files. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where log files are processed by terminal emulators or where log entries are displayed in interactive terminal sessions, creating a vector for privilege escalation and system compromise.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1127, which addresses insufficient sanitization of escape sequences in log files, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1070.002 for "Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell". The attack surface is particularly concerning in web server environments where logs are frequently monitored and where terminal-based log viewing tools are commonly used. Organizations using Cherokee web server versions prior to 0.99.32 should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version, implementing input validation at the network level, and configuring terminal emulators to properly handle escape sequences in log contexts. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of unusual escape sequence patterns in HTTP request logs to identify potential exploitation attempts.