CVE-2012-10033 in Narcissus
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2025
Narcissus is vulnerable to remote code execution via improper input handling in its image configuration workflow. Specifically, the backend.php script fails to sanitize the release parameter before passing it to the configure_image() function. This function invokes PHP’s passthru() with the unsanitized input, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary system commands. Exploitation occurs via a crafted POST request, resulting in command execution under the web server’s context.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2025
The narcissus vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates poor input validation practices within web application security architecture. This vulnerability exists within the image configuration workflow of the narcissus system where backend.php script processes user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization measures. The flaw specifically targets the release parameter handling which serves as an entry point for malicious command injection attacks. The vulnerability's severity stems from the direct invocation of PHP's passthru() function with unsanitized user input, creating an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of command injection attacks and aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command. The attack vector requires a crafted POST request that can be delivered through standard web application interfaces, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or physical access to the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in input validation and sanitization within the application's backend processing logic. When the release parameter is passed from the frontend to the backend.php script, no security measures are implemented to filter or sanitize the input before it reaches the configure_image() function. The configure_image() function then directly uses this parameter within a passthru() call, which executes shell commands on the underlying operating system. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious commands that will be executed by the web server process. The vulnerability's exploitation demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise, as the web server typically runs with elevated privileges that may include access to sensitive files, network resources, and system utilities. The impact is particularly severe because the command execution occurs within the context of the web server, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to the entire system or network resources that the server can reach. This vulnerability type is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through web application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive information from the compromised system. The vulnerability affects any system running narcissus with the specific backend.php configuration that fails to sanitize the release parameter. Since the exploitation requires only a crafted POST request, it can be automated and scaled across multiple targets, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors. Organizations with affected systems face significant risk of unauthorized access, data loss, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's impact is compounded by the fact that it operates at the system level, meaning that attackers can potentially gain access to other services or applications running on the same host that the web server has access to. This creates a potential attack surface that extends far beyond the initial compromise point, as the web server's privileges may include access to databases, file systems, or network resources that are not directly exposed through the web interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the core issue of insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's backend processing. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper input sanitization and validation for all user-supplied parameters before they are processed by any system-level functions. This includes implementing whitelisting approaches for the release parameter, where only predefined valid values are accepted, and using proper escaping mechanisms for any special characters that might be present in user input. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious POST request patterns and command injection attempts. The remediation process should include code review and security testing to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist elsewhere in the application. Additionally, system administrators should implement least privilege principles for web server processes, ensuring that the web server runs with minimal required permissions to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to address known vulnerabilities in the application and its underlying components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate potential command injection vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.