CVE-2013-7069 in ack
Summary
by MITRE
ack 2.00 through 2.11_02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) --pager, (2) --regex, or (3) --output option in a .ackrc file in a directory to be searched.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7069 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the ack search tool version 2.00 through 2.11_02. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of command-line arguments when processing configuration files. The ack tool, designed for searching text patterns in source code files, processes user-defined options stored in .ackrc configuration files that can be placed in directories to be searched. When the tool encounters these configuration files during operation, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the arguments specified in the --pager, --regex, or --output options, creating a dangerous attack vector for remote adversaries.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper execution of shell commands when ack processes the maliciously crafted configuration options. Specifically, when the --pager option is used in a .ackrc file, the tool executes the specified pager command without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary shell commands that get executed with the privileges of the user running ack. Similarly, the --regex and --output options can be exploited to inject malicious code that gets executed during the search process. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-94, which addresses improper control of generation of code, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in command execution and code generation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of ack. An attacker could potentially gain complete control over the affected system, escalate privileges, and establish persistent access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple file placement in directories that ack searches, making it difficult to detect and prevent. Attackers could place malicious .ackrc files in shared directories, repositories, or any location where ack might be executed, creating a vector for privilege escalation and remote code execution without requiring direct system access or authentication.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1566 for spearphishing attachments. The attack surface is broad as ack is commonly used in development environments, continuous integration pipelines, and automated build systems where attackers might place malicious configuration files. Organizations using ack in production environments or development workflows face significant risk, particularly when ack is executed with elevated privileges or in automated contexts where directory traversal is possible.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version updates to ack 2.12 or later, which contain patches addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement strict file access controls and directory permissions to prevent unauthorized placement of .ackrc files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based controls to restrict execution of ack in potentially compromised directories, and establish monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. The use of sandboxing techniques or containerization for ack execution can also limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of development environments and automated systems should include checks for vulnerable ack installations and proper configuration file management practices.