CVE-2014-2322 in Arabic Prawn
Summary
by MITRE
lib/string_utf_support.rb in the Arabic Prawn 0.0.1 gem for Ruby allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the (1) downloaded_file or (2) url variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2322 resides within the Arabic Prawn 0.0.1 gem for Ruby, specifically in the lib/string_utf_support.rb file. This flaw represents a critical command injection vulnerability that arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the gem's handling of file download operations. The vulnerability manifests when the gem processes user-supplied data through the downloaded_file or url variables, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through shell metacharacters that are not properly escaped or filtered during the processing of file download parameters. When an attacker supplies malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks within the downloaded_file or url variables, the gem's string handling routines fail to sanitize this input appropriately. This allows the malicious commands to be interpreted and executed by the underlying shell, potentially granting attackers full control over the affected system. The vulnerability stems from a classic lack of proper input validation and output encoding, which are fundamental security principles that should be implemented at every layer of software development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, modify system files, establish persistence mechanisms, or exfiltrate confidential information from systems running vulnerable versions of the Arabic Prawn gem. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the target system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-facing applications or environments where the gem is used for processing untrusted user input. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in system design.
Organizations utilizing the Arabic Prawn gem in their Ruby applications should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of the gem that properly sanitizes user input and implements proper shell command escaping mechanisms. Additionally, implementing input validation at multiple levels, including application-level filtering and proper output encoding, can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level restrictions and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework's execution techniques, particularly those related to command injection and privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of this gem in their environments and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent exploitation.