CVE-2012-4548 in cgit
Summary
by MITRE
Argument injection vulnerability in syntax-highlighting.sh in cgit 9.0.3 and earlier allows remote authenticated users with permissions to add files to execute arbitrary commands via the --plug-in argument to the highlight command.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2021
The CVE-2012-4548 vulnerability represents a critical argument injection flaw in the cgit web-based git repository viewer software version 9.0.3 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the syntax-highlighting.sh script which is responsible for providing syntax highlighting functionality for source code files within the cgit interface. The issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the command execution flow, creating a pathway for malicious command injection attacks.
The technical flaw occurs within the highlight command processing logic where user-supplied arguments are not properly escaped or validated before being passed to underlying system commands. When authenticated users with sufficient permissions attempt to add files to the repository, they can manipulate the --plug-in argument to inject malicious command sequences. This argument injection vulnerability stems from a failure to implement proper shell argument escaping or command composition techniques, allowing attackers to append additional commands that will be executed with the privileges of the cgit process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it transforms a legitimate file upload feature into a potential command execution vector. An attacker with authenticated access to a cgit repository can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary system commands on the server hosting the cgit instance. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, which is often less strictly controlled than administrative privileges, making it exploitable by users with basic repository contribution permissions.
Security mitigations for CVE-2012-4548 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied arguments before they are processed by system commands. The recommended approach involves using proper argument escaping techniques, implementing whitelisting of valid plugin names, and avoiding direct shell command construction with user input. Organizations should also consider employing secure coding practices such as using safe command execution functions that properly handle argument separation and prevent shell metacharacter interpretation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories related to command injection and argument injection flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to cgit version 9.0.4 or later, where the argument injection vulnerability has been properly addressed through improved input validation and command execution handling mechanisms.