CVE-2014-2888 in sfpagent
Summary
by MITRE
lib/sfpagent/bsig.rb in the sfpagent gem before 0.4.15 for Ruby allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the module name in a JSON request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2888 affects the sfpagent gem version 0.4.14 and earlier in the ruby programming environment. This security flaw resides within the lib/sfpagent/bsig.rb component and represents a critical command injection vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the gem processes JSON requests containing module names with shell metacharacters, creating a pathway for malicious command execution on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the sfpagent gem's processing logic. When the gem receives a JSON request containing a module name parameter, it fails to properly escape or validate shell metacharacters present in the input. This allows attackers to inject malicious shell commands that get executed within the context of the application's privileges. The flaw directly maps to CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, specifically in the context of shell metacharacters. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution through command injection techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any system running affected versions of the sfpagent gem. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute commands with the privileges of the application process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems that process JSON requests through the sfpagent gem, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, API endpoints, and services that utilize this gem for security monitoring or agent functionality. Attackers can use this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, exfiltrate data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade to version 0.4.15 or later of the sfpagent gem where the command injection flaw has been addressed. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at all application boundaries to prevent malicious shell metacharacters from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the attack surface where this gem is deployed. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of JSON request processing can help detect exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers command and scripting interpreter for execution, and T1021.004 which involves remote services for privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and dependency updates should be prioritized to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the software supply chain.