CVE-2011-4124 in Calibre
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2021
Input validation issues were found in Calibre at devices/linux_mount_helper.c which can lead to argument injection and elevation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4124 resides within the Calibre digital library management software, specifically in the linux_mount_helper.c component that handles device mounting operations on linux systems. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the privilege escalation pathway. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters that are subsequently passed to system commands, creating an environment ripe for malicious exploitation.
The technical flaw operates through argument injection techniques where unvalidated input can be manipulated to inject additional command-line arguments or alter the intended execution flow of system calls. When Calibre processes device mounting operations, it invokes helper functions that directly incorporate user-provided parameters into shell command executions without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious arguments that can modify the behavior of underlying system commands, potentially leading to unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability falls under the category of command injection flaws that are commonly categorized as CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on systems running vulnerable versions of Calibre. An attacker could potentially leverage this weakness to gain root access or administrative privileges on the host system, enabling them to modify system files, install malicious software, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where Calibre is used for managing digital content on servers or systems with elevated permissions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges to initiate but can result in significant compromise of system integrity and confidentiality, making it a high-risk target for malicious actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4124 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within the affected code components. System administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Calibre that address the input validation shortcomings in the linux_mount_helper.c file. Additionally, implementing proper command argument escaping and using secure coding practices such as parameterized command execution can prevent the injection of malicious arguments. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running Calibre, while monitoring for unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in privilege escalation pathways and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and command injection, emphasizing the need for robust security controls in system utility components.