CVE-2014-4511 in Gitlist
Summary
by MITRE
Gitlist before 0.5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the file name in the URI of a request for a (1) blame, (2) file, or (3) stats page, as demonstrated by requests to blame/master/, master/, and stats/master/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4511 represents a critical command injection flaw in Gitlist versions prior to 0.5.0, classified under CWE-78 as improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. This vulnerability exists within the web application's handling of file names in URI requests for blame, file, and stats pages, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands through maliciously crafted input. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied file names that contain shell metacharacters, allowing attackers to inject OS commands directly into the application's processing pipeline.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted URI requests that target specific endpoints within the Gitlist application. Attackers can construct malicious URLs such as blame/master/, master/, and stats/master/ where the master/ component contains shell metacharacters that are subsequently processed without adequate sanitization. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing commands through command-line interfaces and T1203 for exploiting weaknesses in web applications. The attack vector leverages the application's reliance on shell commands to process git operations, where user input directly influences system command execution without proper input validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables remote code execution on the affected server with the privileges of the web application user. An attacker could potentially gain complete control over the server hosting Gitlist, allowing for data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms, privilege escalation, or further network reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate git repository access but also exposes the underlying operating system to arbitrary command execution, making it a critical security concern for any organization using vulnerable versions of Gitlist. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or shared hosting scenarios where multiple repositories might be hosted on the same server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4511 require immediate action to upgrade to Gitlist version 0.5.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being processed in any system command context. The fix typically involves implementing proper escaping of shell metacharacters and adopting parameterized command execution where possible. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of all web applications to identify similar command injection vulnerabilities and implement secure coding practices that prevent the reuse of user input in system command contexts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be maintained to detect potential similar issues in other applications and dependencies.