CVE-2011-10007 in File::Find::Rule
Summary
by MITRE • 06/05/2025
File::Find::Rule through 0.34 for Perl is vulnerable to Arbitrary Code Execution when `grep()` encounters a crafted filename.
A file handle is opened with the 2 argument form of `open()` allowing an attacker controlled filename to provide the MODE parameter to `open()`, turning the filename into a command to be executed.
Example:
$ mkdir /tmp/poc; echo > "/tmp/poc/|id" $ perl -MFile::Find::Rule \ -E 'File::Find::Rule->grep("foo")->in("/tmp/poc")' uid=1000(user) gid=1000(user) groups=1000(user),100(users)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-10007 represents a critical arbitrary code execution flaw within the File::Find::Rule Perl module version 0.34 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of filenames during the grep() function execution, creating a dangerous condition where user-controlled input can be interpreted as executable commands. The flaw specifically manifests when the module processes filenames that contain shell metacharacters, particularly the pipe symbol, which allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the implementation of the open() function using its two-argument form where the filename parameter is directly used as the mode specification. When File::Find::Rule processes directories containing specially crafted filenames, it inadvertently passes these filenames to open() as mode arguments, effectively transforming the filename into a command execution directive. This behavior aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and demonstrates how path traversal and command injection can occur through seemingly innocuous file operations. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental trust placed in file system operations within the Perl ecosystem, where the module fails to properly sanitize or escape filenames before using them in system calls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the Perl script. The example demonstrates how a simple directory structure with a crafted filename containing a pipe character can result in command execution, in this case executing the id command to reveal system user information. This vulnerability can be exploited in environments where Perl applications process user-provided directory structures or filenames, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious commands, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to affected systems, making it particularly dangerous in web applications or any environment where user input is processed through file system operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-10007 require immediate action to upgrade to File::Find::Rule version 0.35 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement defensive programming practices such as validating and sanitizing all user-provided filenames before processing them through file system operations, using proper input validation to prevent special characters from being interpreted as command directives. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing least privilege principles for Perl applications and monitoring for suspicious file system operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Unix shell and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, highlighting the need for network monitoring and endpoint detection capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough code reviews of Perl applications to identify similar patterns that might be susceptible to this class of vulnerability.