CVE-2013-1751 in Twiki
Summary
by MITRE
TWiki before 5.1.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands by sending a crafted '%MAKETEXT{}%' parameter value containing Perl backtick characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1751 affects TWiki versions prior to 5.1.4 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw stemming from improper input validation within the TWiki application's text processing mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the MAKETEXT macro functionality, which is designed to handle internationalization and text substitution within TWiki pages. The flaw arises when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the '%MAKETEXT{}%' parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the Perl backtick operator syntax, which allows execution of system commands within Perl scripts. When a crafted parameter containing backtick characters is submitted to the MAKETEXT macro, the TWiki application processes this input without adequate sanitization, effectively allowing attackers to inject Perl code that gets executed in the context of the web server process. This creates a direct path for remote command execution, as the backtick operator in Perl executes commands and returns their output, enabling attackers to leverage this functionality for arbitrary system command execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1751 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the host system. This could result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or use of the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network resources. The vulnerability affects the core TWiki functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web interface interactions without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The weakness demonstrates a classic input validation failure that allows arbitrary code execution, representing a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture. Organizations running TWiki versions prior to 5.1.4 should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest stable version, implementing web application firewalls to filter suspicious input patterns, and conducting thorough security assessments of all TWiki installations. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict web server privileges, implement proper input sanitization measures, and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual command execution patterns.
The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content. Given that TWiki is commonly used for collaborative environments and wikis, the attack surface is broad, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where multiple users may contribute content. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web server processes and establishing robust incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires not only patching the application but also validating that no unauthorized access or command execution has occurred during potential exploitation windows.