CVE-2013-1875 in Command Wrap
Summary
by MITRE
command_wrap.rb in the command_wrap Gem for Ruby allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a URL or filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1875 resides within the command_wrap gem for ruby applications, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands through maliciously crafted input. This vulnerability specifically affects the command_wrap.rb component which processes user-supplied URLs or filenames without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw manifests when the gem receives input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, which are then interpreted by the underlying shell during command execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-provided data within the gem's processing logic.
This security weakness creates a significant operational risk as it allows attackers to bypass normal application boundaries and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the ruby process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web interfaces or any application that utilizes the command_wrap gem for processing user input. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources, escalate privileges, or perform destructive operations. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as it can facilitate further exploitation including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of input validation failures and shell injection techniques, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack surface is broad as any application using the command_wrap gem for processing URLs or filenames becomes vulnerable to this injection attack. The exploitation requires minimal prerequisites and can be automated through common web application attack vectors such as file upload functionality, URL parameter manipulation, or any interface that passes user input to the vulnerable gem. This vulnerability also maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and script injection, making it a standard target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised environments.
Organizations should immediately update their ruby applications to use patched versions of the command_wrap gem or implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-provided data before processing. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper input sanitization, using parameterized commands instead of shell execution, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all applications using this gem and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing command injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.