CVE-2012-6567 in REDCap
Summary
by MITRE
REDCap before 4.14.0 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the logic of a custom rule.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-6567 affects REDCap versions prior to 4.14.0 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that arises from improper input validation within the application's custom rule logic processing. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of shell metacharacters within user-defined logic rules, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to inject malicious commands that the system will execute with the privileges of the web server process. The flaw exists in the application's rule engine where custom logic rules can be defined by users with appropriate permissions, and these rules are processed without adequate sanitization of special shell characters that could be interpreted by the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input sanitization and command injection protection within the REDCap application's rule processing mechanism. When administrators or authorized users create custom rules that include shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or other command separators, the system fails to properly escape or filter these characters before they are processed by the operating system. This design flaw allows an authenticated attacker who can create or modify custom rules to inject arbitrary shell commands that will execute on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authentication to the application, making it accessible to users with legitimate access rights who may have elevated privileges within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6567 extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, modify application functionality, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access through backdoor creation, data exfiltration, or to establish a foothold for further reconnaissance and lateral movement. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on REDCap for research data management, as it could lead to the exposure of sensitive research data, compromise of institutional integrity, and potential regulatory violations under data protection frameworks. The risk is amplified in environments where REDCap is used for handling personally identifiable information or protected health information, as such data breaches could result in significant financial and legal consequences.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to REDCap version 4.14.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict user permissions to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that only trusted personnel have the ability to create or modify custom rules. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious command execution patterns, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreters, emphasizing the importance of input validation and privilege separation in preventing such attacks.