CVE-2013-7329 in Perl
Summary
by MITRE
The CGI::Application module 4.50 and earlier for Perl, when run modes are not specified, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information (web queries and environment details) via vectors related to the dump_html function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2021
The CVE-2013-7329 vulnerability affects the CGI::Application Perl module version 4.50 and earlier, presenting a significant information disclosure risk that can be exploited by remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically manifests when run modes are not explicitly defined within the application configuration, creating an unintended pathway for attackers to access sensitive system information. The flaw resides in the dump_html function which, under certain conditions, reveals web queries and environment details that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper error handling, where the application fails to properly sanitize its output when operating in default modes without explicit run mode definitions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how the CGI::Application module processes requests when no specific run mode is designated. When attackers craft malicious requests that trigger the default behavior, the dump_html function inadvertently exposes internal application state information including web query parameters, server environment variables, and potentially sensitive configuration details. This occurs because the module does not properly validate or restrict the output generated by the dump_html function when operating in default execution contexts. The flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the improper exposure of sensitive information, and demonstrates how insecure default configurations can create attack vectors. The vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1213, specifically focusing on data from information repositories, as it allows adversaries to extract potentially valuable system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7329 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed data can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gather intelligence about the target application's structure, including database connection details, file paths, and server configuration parameters that may not be otherwise visible. This information can be leveraged to identify additional vulnerabilities within the application or its underlying infrastructure, potentially enabling privilege escalation or further system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the CGI::Application module is used without proper security hardening, as it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication or specialized tools. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this module face potential exposure of sensitive operational data, which could lead to compliance violations and increased attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7329 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening approaches. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to CGI::Application version 4.51 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and output sanitization within the dump_html function. Organizations should also implement explicit run mode definitions within their application configurations to prevent the module from entering vulnerable default states. Additional protective measures include configuring proper access controls to limit exposure of the affected application endpoints, implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. Security teams should also establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual patterns of information disclosure attempts and maintain updated vulnerability databases to track similar issues in related Perl modules. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the upgrade does not introduce compatibility issues with existing application functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent exploitation.