CVE-2014-2093 in Catfish
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Catfish through 0.4.0.3 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse catfish.py in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2093 represents a classic untrusted search path issue affecting the Catfish file search utility version 0.4.0.3 and earlier. This flaw resides in the application's handling of executable paths during runtime execution, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability stems from the software's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search path used when executing the catfish.py script, allowing an attacker to place a malicious version of this script in the current working directory. When the application executes, it inadvertently loads and runs the attacker-controlled script instead of the legitimate system version, thereby enabling unauthorized privilege escalation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which specifically addresses the issue of untrusted search path vulnerabilities where applications execute programs using insecure path resolution mechanisms. The flaw operates under the principle that applications should not trust the current working directory when executing scripts or binaries, particularly when the application's execution context may be manipulated by unprivileged users. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to execute, as local users can simply place a malicious catfish.py file in any directory from which the application might be launched. This creates a scenario where an attacker can leverage the application's legitimate execution context to run arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that could be exploited in various contexts. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in input validation and path resolution that could potentially be chained with other local exploits or used to establish persistent access within a compromised system. Attackers could use this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads, modify system configurations, or gain access to sensitive data that would otherwise be protected by normal access controls. The impact is particularly severe in multi-user environments where local users might not have elevated privileges but could leverage this vulnerability to escalate their access level.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2093 should focus on implementing proper path validation and secure execution practices within the Catfish application. The most effective approach involves modifying the application to explicitly specify absolute paths for all executable components rather than relying on the system PATH or current working directory. This aligns with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth as outlined in cybersecurity frameworks. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files, while the application should be updated to version 0.4.0.4 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, users should be educated about the dangers of executing applications from untrusted directories, and the system should enforce proper file permissions to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical application files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as recommended in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices guidelines.