CVE-2014-10075 in Karo Gem
Summary
by MITRE
The karo gem 2.3.8 for Ruby allows Remote command injection via the host field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The karo gem version 2.3.8 for ruby contains a critical remote command injection vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This vulnerability specifically affects the host field parameter processing within the gem's functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal input validation mechanisms and inject command sequences. The flaw exists in how the gem handles user-supplied host data, failing to properly sanitize or escape input before using it in system calls or shell operations.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and command execution flaws, aligning with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories that address command injection vulnerabilities. The technical implementation likely involves the gem using user-provided host values in shell contexts without adequate sanitization, potentially through methods like system(), exec(), or backtick operators. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious host field values containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or command substitution operators that get executed in the context of the application process.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-10075 is severe, as it provides remote attackers with full command execution capabilities on systems running vulnerable versions of the karo gem. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or use as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects any application that utilizes the karo gem for host management or network operations, particularly those in environments where the gem is used to interact with remote systems or perform administrative tasks. Organizations using this gem in production environments face significant risk exposure, especially when the gem is integrated into web applications or automated systems that process user input.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 2.3.9 or later where the input sanitization issues have been addressed. System administrators should also implement input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering and the use of allowlists for host field values. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and implementing proper logging of host field usage can aid in detecting exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices around shell command construction and input handling, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.