CVE-2013-7392 in Gitlist
Summary
by MITRE
Gitlist allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a file name to Source/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7392 represents a critical command injection flaw in Gitlist, a web-based Git repository browser and code viewer. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of file names in the Source/ endpoint, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that can trigger arbitrary command execution on the underlying system. The flaw exists because Gitlist fails to properly sanitize user-supplied file names before using them in shell commands, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior through carefully crafted input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate output escaping and input validation mechanisms within Gitlist's source code processing functionality. When users navigate to specific file paths within Git repositories through the web interface, the application constructs shell commands to retrieve and display file contents. However, the application does not adequately filter or escape special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, backticks, or pipes that could be used to chain additional commands. This design flaw aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a classic example of command injection vulnerability. Attackers can exploit this by creating repository files with names containing malicious shell metacharacters, which when accessed through the Source/ endpoint trigger unintended system commands with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using Gitlist as their primary Git repository browser. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system persistence, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects any system running Gitlist versions prior to the patch release, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated patch management is not implemented. The remote nature of the attack means that no local access is required, and attackers can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1068, which involves exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7392 should focus on immediate patching of the Gitlist application to the latest secure version that addresses the input validation flaw. Organizations should also implement network-level protections including firewall rules that restrict access to the Gitlist application to trusted IP addresses only, and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting command injection patterns. Additionally, system administrators should review and restrict the permissions of the web server process running Gitlist to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar input validation issues in other applications, and developers should implement proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms following secure coding practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and avoiding direct shell command construction with unsanitized data, which is a fundamental principle of secure software development practices.