CVE-2013-4663 in redmine_git_hosting plugin
Summary
by MITRE
git_http_controller.rb in the redmine_git_hosting plugin for Redmine allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in (1) the service parameter to info/refs, related to the get_info_refs function or (2) the reqfile argument to the file_exists function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4663 resides within the redmine_git_hosting plugin for Redmine, a popular web-based project management and issue tracking system. This plugin enables Redmine to host Git repositories through a web interface, creating a seamless integration between project management and version control functionalities. The vulnerability specifically targets the git_http_controller.rb file which handles HTTP requests related to Git operations, making it a critical component in the plugin's architecture. The flaw manifests as a command injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system, potentially compromising the entire server infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within two distinct functions of the plugin. The first vector involves the service parameter in the info/refs endpoint, where the get_info_refs function fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into shell commands. The second vector operates through the reqfile argument within the file_exists function, which similarly lacks proper input validation mechanisms. Both functions demonstrate a classic command injection flaw where user-controllable data is directly concatenated into shell execution contexts without appropriate sanitization or encoding. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities in software systems, and represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and output encoding practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4663 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with arbitrary command execution privileges on the affected system. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate their privileges, access sensitive project data, modify repository contents, or even establish persistent backdoors within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using Redmine with the git_hosting plugin, potentially exposing critical development workflows and source code repositories to unauthorized access. Given that Redmine is widely used in enterprise environments for project management, the implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe as it could compromise entire development ecosystems. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system, making it an attractive target for automated attacks and malicious actors.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including patching the redmine_git_hosting plugin to version 0.8.0 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious requests containing shell metacharacters in the affected parameters. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable plugin. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched plugin to ensure no regression issues occur in normal operations. From a security posture perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing and vulnerability management processes. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits of third-party plugins and dependencies to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in their software ecosystems.