CVE-2014-2528 in KDirStat
Summary
by MITRE
kcleanup.cpp in KDirStat 2.7.3 does not properly quote strings when deleting a directory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a (single quote) character in the directory name, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-2527.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2528 affects KDirStat version 2.7.3 and resides within the kcleanup.cpp component responsible for directory deletion operations. This flaw represents a command injection vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied directory names during the deletion process. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a directory name contains single quote characters, which are not adequately escaped or quoted in the underlying system commands executed by the application. This improper string handling creates a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious commands that will be executed with the privileges of the KDirStat process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principle of shell injection attacks where user input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. When KDirStat processes a directory deletion request, it constructs shell commands using the directory name provided by the user, but fails to implement proper quoting mechanisms. This allows an attacker to insert malicious commands between the single quotes, effectively breaking out of the intended command context and executing arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability operates at the application level where it interfaces with the operating system's shell command execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially escalate privileges depending on how the application is configured and executed.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2528 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. Since KDirStat is typically used for file system analysis and management, an attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the file system, potentially accessing sensitive data or executing malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where KDirStat is used with elevated privileges or in automated systems where directory names might be derived from untrusted sources. This flaw can be classified under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2528 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's directory handling code. The most effective approach involves ensuring that all user-supplied directory names are properly quoted and escaped before being passed to system commands, thereby preventing shell injection attacks. Additionally, the application should implement proper privilege separation and sandboxing techniques to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of systems running vulnerable versions of KDirStat. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input handling in preventing command injection attacks, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and patch management procedures to address such vulnerabilities in third-party applications.