CVE-2010-4368 in awstats
Summary
by MITRE
awstats.cgi in AWStats before 7.0 on Windows accepts a configdir parameter in the URL, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted configuration file located at a UNC share pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4368 affects AWStats version 7.0 and earlier on Windows systems, specifically targeting the awstats.cgi script that processes a configdir parameter through URL input. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, fundamentally compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the server environment. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into system command execution paths.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the improper sanitization of the configdir parameter within the AWStats CGI script, which allows attackers to specify a UNC (Universal Naming Convention) share pathname as the configuration directory. When the script processes this parameter, it fails to validate or sanitize the input before using it in system calls, creating an arbitrary code execution vector. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages Windows-specific file path handling, where UNC paths can point to remote network shares, enabling attackers to load malicious configuration files from external locations. This design flaw directly maps to CWE-78, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-22, covering improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with full control over the affected server. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The Windows-specific nature of the vulnerability means that organizations running AWStats on Windows servers are particularly at risk, with potential for widespread compromise given the script's common deployment in web analytics environments. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1078, covering valid accounts, as attackers can potentially escalate privileges and maintain persistent access through the executed commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4368 should prioritize immediate patching of AWStats to version 7.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to prevent access to the awstats.cgi script from untrusted networks, and consider disabling the configdir parameter functionality if it is not essential for operations. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation at the web server level, using web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious URL parameters, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar input handling vulnerabilities. System administrators should also review and restrict file system permissions for AWStats directories, ensuring that the application cannot access or execute files from unauthorized UNC shares, thereby reducing the attack surface and limiting potential exploitation scenarios.