CVE-2013-7394 in Splunk
Summary
by MITRE
The "runshellscript echo.sh" script in Splunk before 5.0.5 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted string. NOTE: this issue was SPLIT from CVE-2013-6771 per ADT2 due to different vulnerability types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7394 represents a critical command injection flaw within Splunk's execution environment that affects versions prior to 5.0.5. This security weakness specifically resides in the "runshellscript echo.sh" script component of the Splunk platform, which is designed to handle shell script execution within the monitoring and analytics framework. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied strings before incorporating them into shell command executions. This particular flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to manipulate the system through carefully crafted malicious input that gets interpreted as shell commands rather than benign data, effectively bypassing normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command. The flaw occurs when Splunk processes user input through the echo.sh script without sufficient sanitization of special shell metacharacters and command delimiters. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input strings that contain shell operators such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that are interpreted by the underlying shell during command execution. This creates a scenario where legitimate administrative functions become vectors for arbitrary code execution, allowing threat actors to leverage the authenticated access to perform actions including but not limited to data exfiltration, system compromise, or privilege escalation within the Splunk environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7394 extends beyond simple command injection as it represents a significant threat to Splunk's integrity and the security of the broader network infrastructure it monitors. Organizations relying on Splunk for log aggregation, monitoring, and security analytics face potential exposure to unauthorized access and data breaches when running vulnerable versions. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where Splunk is used for security monitoring, as it could allow attackers to execute commands that bypass security controls, modify logs, or even escalate privileges to gain deeper access to the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the monitored systems and data.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as attackers must first authenticate to the system before executing malicious commands. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including input validation, privilege separation, and regular security updates to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in security architecture. Remediation requires immediate patching to Splunk version 5.0.5 or later, along with comprehensive review of authentication mechanisms and access controls. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts and reduce the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities in the future.