CVE-2013-2513 in flash_tool Gem
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2023
The flash_tool gem through 0.6.0 for Ruby allows command execution via shell metacharacters in the name of a downloaded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2023
The flash_tool gem version 0.6.0 and earlier contains a critical command injection vulnerability that enables arbitrary code execution through improper input validation of downloaded file names. This flaw exists within the gem's handling of file naming conventions during download operations, where shell metacharacters embedded in file names are not properly sanitized or escaped before being processed by underlying shell commands. The vulnerability arises from the gem's direct invocation of system commands without adequate parameter validation or sanitization mechanisms, creating a path for malicious actors to inject harmful shell commands that execute with the privileges of the user running the flash_tool application. This represents a classic command injection flaw that can be exploited across multiple operating systems where the gem is installed, particularly affecting ruby applications that rely on this dependency for firmware flashing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the file name processing logic of the flash_tool gem. When a user attempts to download a file through the gem's interface, the system accepts the remote file name without proper sanitization of special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, backticks, or pipes that could alter command execution flow. The vulnerability specifically manifests when these metacharacters are present in the file name portion of a download request, allowing attackers to append malicious commands that execute within the context of the shell environment where flash_tool operates. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-78 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and is classified as a command injection weakness that falls under the broader category of CWE-94, representing improper control of generation of code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker who can influence file names during download operations can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the flash_tool process, which may include elevated permissions depending on how the tool is deployed. This could result in complete system compromise if the tool runs with administrative privileges or if it has access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects any ruby application that utilizes flash_tool for firmware updates or file management operations, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated deployment systems might rely on such gems for device provisioning tasks. The attack vector is relatively straightforward and can be exploited through simple manipulation of download parameters, requiring minimal technical expertise to achieve successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through version updates to flash_tool 0.6.1 or later, where the command injection flaw has been patched. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all file name inputs by removing or escaping shell metacharacters before any system commands are invoked. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameterization of shell commands or utilizing safe library functions that do not rely on direct shell invocation for file operations. Additionally, security best practices dictate that applications should run with minimal required privileges and implement proper access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should monitor for any unauthorized use of the flash_tool gem in their environments and consider implementing network-based detection measures to identify suspicious command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and represents a critical weakness that organizations must address immediately through patch management and security hardening procedures.