CVE-2012-1095 in osc
Summary
by MITRE
osc before 0.134 might allow remote OBS repository servers or package maintainers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted (1) build log or (2) build status that contains an escape sequence for a terminal emulator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1095 affects the Open Build Service (OBS) client software version 0.134 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper input validation in terminal escape sequence handling. This flaw exists within the osc tool's processing of build logs and build status information received from OBS repository servers, creating an avenue for remote code execution through maliciously crafted terminal escape sequences that are interpreted by terminal emulators during display operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the osc client's failure to properly sanitize and escape terminal control sequences when processing build log and status data. When the tool encounters escape sequences within these data streams, it does not adequately filter or neutralize potentially dangerous control codes that could be interpreted by terminal emulators to execute arbitrary commands. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of terminal escape sequences, which are commonly used for formatting text output, but can also be exploited to inject commands that execute within the context of the user's terminal session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables remote attackers who control OBS repository servers or have privileges to modify packages to execute arbitrary commands on systems running vulnerable osc client versions. This threat model encompasses both legitimate package maintainers with write access to repositories and malicious actors who have compromised such access, potentially allowing for complete system compromise. The attack requires no local privileges on the target system but relies on the victim running the vulnerable osc client and viewing the malicious build logs or status information through a terminal emulator that interprets escape sequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1095 should focus on immediate software updates to osc version 0.134 or later, which contain proper input sanitization for terminal escape sequences. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to OBS repositories and enforce strict access controls for package maintainers. Additional protective measures include configuring terminal emulators to disable or restrict interpretation of escape sequences in context of build log viewing, and implementing monitoring for suspicious repository activity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of commands through terminal manipulation. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in client-side applications that process data from untrusted sources, particularly in build and deployment systems where such tools are frequently used by multiple parties with varying privilege levels.