CVE-2013-7050 in devscripts
Summary
by MITRE
The get_main_source_dir function in scripts/uscan.pl in devscripts before 2.13.8, when using USCAN_EXCLUSION, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a directory name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7050 resides within the devscripts package, specifically in the scripts/uscan.pl file where the get_main_source_dir function operates. This flaw manifests when the USCAN_EXCLUSION feature is utilized, creating a path for remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands through carefully crafted shell metacharacters embedded within directory names. The vulnerability represents a classic command injection flaw that leverages improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the script's handling of user-supplied directory names.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the function's failure to properly escape or sanitize shell metacharacters present in directory names during the scanning process. When devscripts processes source directories and encounters directory names containing special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the shell as command delimiters or operators rather than literal characters. This improper handling creates an environment where attacker-controlled directory names can be transformed into executable shell commands, effectively bypassing normal input validation controls and allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the uscan script.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and privilege escalation. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute commands such as creating backdoors, modifying system files, or accessing sensitive information stored within the affected system. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries need only provide malicious directory names through the scanning process to potentially gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of devscripts.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-78, which specifically addresses OS Command Injection, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign input processing can create dangerous execution paths when proper sanitization measures are not implemented. Organizations should prioritize updating to devscripts version 2.13.8 or later, which includes fixes for this command injection vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual scanning activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining strict input validation practices for all user-supplied data in similar scripts and applications.