CVE-2011-0456 in OTRS
Summary
by MITRE
webscript.pl in Open Ticket Request System (OTRS) 2.3.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors, related to a "command injection vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0456 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Open Ticket Request System version 2.3.4 and earlier. This web-based ticketing system, widely used for managing customer support requests, contained a security weakness in its webscript.pl component that could be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data that flows into system commands, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized shell commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically command injection, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of OTRS.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is directly incorporated into system command execution without proper sanitization or validation. Attackers can manipulate various parameters within the webscript.pl script to inject malicious commands that get executed by the system's underlying shell. This typically involves passing specially crafted input through web forms or API endpoints that are then processed by the application and used in system calls. The flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices where the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before using it in command-line operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through multiple entry points within the application's interface, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain full control over the system's command execution capabilities. This aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in data theft, system modification, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms being established within the compromised environment. Organizations running vulnerable versions of OTRS face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, system resources, and potentially other connected systems within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be leveraged to establish backdoors, deploy malware, or conduct further reconnaissance activities against the internal network. Given that OTRS is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for customer service management, the compromise of such systems can lead to substantial financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the system is accessible from untrusted networks or exposed to the internet without proper network segmentation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0456 require immediate action to patch or upgrade affected systems to versions that address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious data from being processed in system commands. The recommended approach includes upgrading to OTRS versions 2.3.5 and later, which contain the necessary security fixes and code modifications to prevent command injection attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing proper logging and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle remote code execution vulnerabilities and ensure that all system administrators are trained on secure coding practices and vulnerability management processes. The remediation efforts must be prioritized based on risk assessment and should include thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new issues.