CVE-2012-1795 in webglimpse
Summary
by MITRE
webglimpse.cgi in Webglimpse before 2.20.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the query parameter, as exploited in the wild in March 2012.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1795 represents a critical command injection flaw in the Webglimpse web application, specifically within the webglimpse.cgi script. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 2.20.0 and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to severe remote code execution capabilities. The flaw exists in the handling of user-supplied query parameters, where the application fails to properly sanitize or escape input before using it in system commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, commonly known as command injection. The exploitation of this vulnerability was documented in real-world attacks during March 2012, indicating that threat actors were actively leveraging this weakness to gain unauthorized access to affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the webglimpse.cgi script's improper handling of the query parameter, which is directly incorporated into shell commands without adequate sanitization. When an attacker crafts a malicious query string containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell and executed as part of the command. This creates a direct pathway for arbitrary command execution, allowing attackers to run any command that the web server process has privileges to execute. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack vectors, including the use of shell metacharacters and improper input validation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring special tools or privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1795 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. This remote code execution capability enables threat actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify web content, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation in the wild during 2012 demonstrates its practical utility for attackers and highlights the importance of timely patching. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of commands through the shell. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires minimal skill to exploit, making it attractive for both sophisticated and less experienced threat actors.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to version 2.20.0 or later, which addresses the input validation issues. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, including the use of allowlists for valid characters and proper escaping of shell metacharacters, can provide defense in depth. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why secure coding practices, particularly input validation and output encoding, are critical components of application security. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious query parameters, as well as regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and following security best practices to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities that have been documented in the wild.