CVE-2010-2540 in MapServer
Summary
by MITRE
mapserv.c in mapserv in MapServer before 4.10.6 and 5.x before 5.6.4 does not properly restrict the use of CGI command-line arguments that were intended for debugging, which allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via crafted arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2540 resides within the mapserv component of MapServer, a widely used open-source geographic information system software. This issue affects versions prior to 4.10.6 and 5.6.4, representing a critical security flaw in the software's handling of command-line arguments. The vulnerability specifically targets the debugging functionality that should be restricted to authorized users but instead remains accessible to remote attackers through crafted CGI parameters. This misconfiguration creates a potential attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the debugging features to execute unauthorized operations on the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper restriction of CGI command-line arguments that are designated for debugging purposes within the mapserv.c file. When MapServer processes these arguments, it fails to properly validate or sanitize inputs that are intended to be internal debugging mechanisms rather than public interfaces. This oversight allows attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through carefully crafted command-line parameters that would normally be restricted. The vulnerability essentially enables an attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources or functionality that should remain hidden from external users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the unspecified nature of the potential consequences suggests that attackers could leverage this flaw to perform various malicious activities. Attackers might exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive system information, or potentially compromise the entire MapServer instance. The remote attack vector means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-facing environments where MapServer applications are commonly deployed. This vulnerability could be especially impactful in environments where MapServer serves as a core component of geographic data services, potentially affecting applications ranging from web mapping portals to enterprise GIS solutions.
Organizations utilizing affected MapServer versions should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions 4.10.6 or 5.6.4, respectively, which address the improper argument handling. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as input validation, access control restrictions, and monitoring for suspicious CGI parameter usage. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and could potentially be leveraged as part of broader attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to command and control, privilege escalation, and remote code execution. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that no other similar misconfigurations exist within the MapServer deployment or related systems.