CVE-2010-3895 in OmniFind
Summary
by MITRE
esRunCommand in IBM OmniFind Enterprise Edition before 9.1 allows local users to gain privileges by specifying an arbitrary command name as the first argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3895 resides within IBM OmniFind Enterprise Edition version 9.1 and earlier, specifically within the esRunCommand functionality that processes command execution requests. This flaw represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper privilege handling within the command execution framework, creating a path for malicious users to bypass security controls and execute unauthorized system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the esRunCommand function processes user-supplied command names as its first argument without adequate sanitization or privilege verification. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious command inputs that manipulate the execution flow to invoke arbitrary system commands with elevated privileges. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in system execution contexts. The flaw directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-20, which covers improper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative or system-level access. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire system. The vulnerability affects systems where OmniFind Enterprise Edition is installed and running, particularly in environments where local access is possible. The implications extend beyond immediate system compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to persistent backdoor access and lateral movement within networked environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of IBM OmniFind Enterprise Edition to version 9.1 or later, where the privilege escalation issue has been addressed. Organizations should also implement strict input validation controls and privilege separation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized command execution. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and ensure proper access controls are in place. Additionally, implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual command execution patterns and maintaining up-to-date security patches aligns with the ATT&CK framework's defense-in-depth approach, specifically addressing techniques related to privilege escalation and command execution. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and privilege management in enterprise search and indexing applications, particularly those handling sensitive enterprise data.