CVE-2012-2242 in devscripts
Summary
by MITRE
scripts/dget.pl in devscripts before 2.10.73 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted (1) .dsc or (2) .changes file, related to "arguments to external commands" that are not properly escaped, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-2240.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-2242 affects the devscripts package version 2.10.73 and earlier, specifically targeting the scripts/dget.pl utility. This flaw represents a command injection vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of devscripts. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of arguments passed to external commands within the dget.pl script, creating a path for malicious input to be interpreted as shell commands rather than data. The issue is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to manipulate package management workflows that rely on these scripts for downloading and processing Debian source packages.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the lack of proper input sanitization and argument escaping when processing .dsc and .changes files in the dget.pl script. These file formats are standard components of Debian package management systems used to describe source packages and their changes. When the script processes these files, it directly incorporates user-supplied data into shell command invocations without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This behavior creates a classic command injection vector where maliciously crafted file contents can contain shell metacharacters that get executed by the underlying shell. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command," which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape or quote command arguments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can compromise entire build environments and development systems that rely on devscripts for package management operations. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, modify or delete files, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the affected environments. The vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also automated build servers, continuous integration systems, and package repositories that process these files. Given that .dsc and .changes files are commonly used in Debian-based package distribution workflows, the attack surface is significant for any organization maintaining Debian package repositories or development infrastructure that processes external package metadata.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper argument handling in security-sensitive applications, particularly those that interface with shell commands. The flaw is distinct from CVE-2012-2240, indicating that multiple command injection vulnerabilities exist within the same software package, highlighting potential systemic issues in the codebase's approach to handling external inputs. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under techniques related to command and script injection, where adversaries exploit improper input handling to execute malicious commands. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to devscripts version 2.10.73 or later, implementing network segmentation to limit access to package processing systems, and monitoring for suspicious file processing activities. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of scripts that handle external inputs and interact with shell commands, particularly in package management and build automation systems.