CVE-2010-4367 in awstats
Summary
by MITRE
awstats.cgi in AWStats before 7.0 accepts a configdir parameter in the URL, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted configuration file located on a (1) WebDAV server or (2) NFS server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4367 represents a critical command injection flaw in the AWStats web analytics tool that affects versions prior to 7.0. This issue stems from improper input validation within the awstats.cgi script which processes a configdir parameter passed through URL parameters. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the configuration directory path and subsequently execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The flaw specifically leverages the way AWStats handles configuration file locations, creating an attack vector that can be exploited through network-based interactions without requiring authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the configdir parameter to point to maliciously crafted configuration files stored on external file servers. Attackers can leverage this by placing specially crafted configuration files on either WebDAV servers or NFS servers that are accessible to the AWStats process. When AWStats processes these configuration files, it executes code contained within them due to insufficient sanitization of the directory path parameter. This creates a classic command injection scenario where attacker-controlled data flows directly into system execution contexts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-94, covering improper control of generation of code, as the system executes arbitrary code based on user-supplied input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with complete command execution capabilities on the affected web server. An attacker could potentially gain full system access, escalate privileges, install backdoors, or perform data exfiltration from the compromised system. The attack can be executed from any location with network access to the vulnerable AWStats installation, making it particularly dangerous in public-facing web environments. The vulnerability affects not just individual systems but can potentially compromise entire web infrastructures, especially when AWStats is deployed on shared hosting environments or enterprise web applications where multiple users may be running vulnerable versions. This issue is particularly concerning given that AWStats is widely deployed in web analytics environments, making it a prime target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to AWStats version 7.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection flaw. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to AWStats endpoints and consider implementing input validation at the web application firewall level to prevent manipulation of the configdir parameter. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that AWStats is configured to use only local configuration files and not allow remote file inclusion from external servers. The remediation approach should follow the principle of least privilege by restricting the permissions of the AWStats process and implementing proper file access controls. Organizations should also monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure configuration management in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.