CVE-2013-4318 in Features Gem
Summary
by MITRE
File injection vulnerability in Ruby gem Features 0.3.0 allows remote attackers to inject malicious html in the /tmp directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2024
The CVE-2013-4318 vulnerability represents a critical file injection flaw in the Ruby gem Features version 0.3.0 that exposes systems to remote code execution risks through improper handling of temporary files. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's temporary file creation process where user-provided input is not adequately sanitized before being written to the /tmp directory, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious HTML content that can be executed by other users or applications accessing these temporary files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the gem's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input during temporary file generation operations. When the Features gem processes certain requests, it creates temporary files in the /tmp directory without sufficient input validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious HTML content through crafted parameters. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-74, which addresses injection flaws. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based attack vectors where user input flows into the temporary file creation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple HTML injection, as it creates persistent security risks that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use this vulnerability to execute malicious code, steal session information, or manipulate application behavior by injecting HTML content that gets executed when other users access the temporary files. The /tmp directory is a common target for such attacks due to its accessibility and the typical lack of strict access controls. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications using Ruby-based frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4318 should prioritize immediate patching of the Features gem to version 0.3.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and temporary file handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict temporary file access controls, including setting appropriate permissions on the /tmp directory and monitoring for unauthorized file creation. The remediation approach should follow ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers may attempt to leverage the injected HTML for further exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation at all application entry points, using secure temporary file creation methods with unique naming conventions, and conducting regular security assessments of Ruby gem dependencies to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.