CVE-2014-2527 in KDirStat
Summary
by MITRE
kcleanup.cpp in KDirStat 2.7.0 does not properly quote strings when deleting a directory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a " (double quote) character in the directory name, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-2528.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2527 resides within the kcleanup.cpp component of KDirStat version 2.7.0, a graphical disk usage analyzer tool for unix-like systems. This flaw represents a command injection vulnerability that arises from improper string quoting mechanisms during directory deletion operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes directory names containing special characters, particularly the double quote character, which can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input sanitization and shell command construction within the directory cleanup functionality. When KDirStat processes directory deletion requests, it constructs shell commands by directly incorporating user-provided directory names into system calls without adequate escaping or quoting. The double quote character in particular serves as a shell metacharacter that can alter the interpretation of command arguments, allowing attackers to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the KDirStat process. This represents a classic command injection flaw that can be categorized under CWE-78 as improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2527 extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with potential privilege escalation opportunities depending on the execution context of KDirStat. Since KDirStat typically runs with user privileges, successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with those same privileges, potentially leading to further system compromise if the application is run with elevated permissions. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers need not have physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where KDirStat might be used to analyze shared directories or network filesystems.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The attack chain typically involves an attacker crafting a malicious directory name containing double quotes and special shell characters that, when processed by KDirStat's directory deletion mechanism, result in unintended command execution. Organizations using KDirStat should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where untrusted users might have the ability to create or manipulate directory structures that KDirStat processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2527 primarily involve implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. The most effective approach is to ensure that all user-provided strings are properly escaped or quoted before being incorporated into system commands, specifically using shell-escaping functions or parameterized command execution methods. Additionally, administrators should consider updating to newer versions of KDirStat where this vulnerability has been addressed, as version 2.7.1 and later releases contain fixes for this issue. Network segmentation and privilege restriction measures can also help limit the potential impact of exploitation, ensuring that even if the vulnerability is exploited, the attacker's capabilities remain constrained.