CVE-2013-2090 in Creme Fraiche
Summary
by MITRE
The set_meta_data function in lib/cremefraiche.rb in the Creme Fraiche gem before 0.6.1 for Ruby allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the file name of an email attachment. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2090 resides within the Creme Fraiche gem version 0.6.0 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands through maliciously crafted email attachments. This vulnerability specifically targets the set_meta_data function located in the lib/cremefraiche.rb file, where the gem processes email metadata during attachment handling. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied file names, allowing shell metacharacters to be interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker uploads an email attachment with a filename containing malicious shell commands, which are then processed through the vulnerable function without adequate input validation or sanitization.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a classic command injection attack vector. The operational impact is severe as it allows remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the affected application, potentially enabling attackers to gain full system control. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands such as system calls, file operations, network communications, and privilege escalation techniques. The attack surface expands significantly when the affected gem is used in web applications, email processing systems, or any environment where user-supplied attachments are processed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where email security is paramount. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites, as attackers only need to upload a specially crafted email attachment with malicious filename content.
The security implications extend beyond simple command execution to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using vulnerable versions of the Creme Fraiche gem face significant risk of unauthorized access and system exploitation, particularly in scenarios where email attachments are automatically processed without proper sanitization. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of sanitizing all user-supplied data in security-sensitive applications. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1078.004, covering legitimate credentials, as exploitation may lead to privilege escalation and persistent access. Organizations must implement comprehensive patch management strategies and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies include immediate upgrade to Creme Fraiche version 0.6.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly sanitize input parameters and prevent command injection. Additionally, organizations should implement strict input validation measures, including filename sanitization, character set restrictions, and length limitations for email attachment names. Network-based defenses such as email gateway filtering and web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input handling and command execution functions should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date dependencies and implementing robust security practices throughout the software development lifecycle. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious attachment processing activities and potential exploitation attempts.