CVE-2012-0210 in devscripts
Summary
by MITRE
debdiff.pl in devscripts 2.10.x before 2.10.69 and 2.11.x before 2.11.4 allows remote attackers to obtain system information and execute arbitrary code via the file name in a (1) .dsc or (2) .changes file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0210 affects the debdiff.pl utility within the devscripts package, specifically impacting versions prior to 2.10.69 and 2.11.4. This flaw represents a critical security issue that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to system information and execute arbitrary code through manipulated file names contained in .dsc and .changes package description files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the debdiff.pl script, which processes these package metadata files during software package management operations.
The technical flaw manifests when the debdiff.pl utility processes maliciously crafted file names within .dsc and .changes files without proper sanitization of user-supplied input. These package description files are commonly used in debian package management systems to describe package contents and changes between versions. When attackers craft specially formatted file names within these metadata files, the debdiff.pl script fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs, creating a path for command injection attacks. The vulnerability operates at the input processing level, where untrusted data flows directly into system commands without adequate security controls, making it susceptible to exploitation through carefully crafted malicious inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of devscripts. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized system access, escalate privileges, or perform reconnaissance activities to gather system information. The vulnerability affects systems that process debian package metadata files, which are common in package repositories, build systems, and development environments. Organizations using vulnerable versions of devscripts in automated build processes or package management systems face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate package distribution channels.
Security mitigations for CVE-2012-0210 involve immediate patching of affected systems to upgrade devscripts to versions 2.10.69 or 2.11.4 and later, which contain the necessary fixes to address the input validation issues. System administrators should also implement strict input validation controls and sanitize all package metadata files before processing them through debdiff.pl or similar utilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that process package metadata files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing commands through command and script interpreters. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses in other system components, particularly those handling user-supplied data in automated processing workflows.