CVE-2014-5470 in Analyzer
Summary
by MITRE • 06/22/2024
Actual Analyzer through 2014-08-29 allows code execution via shell metacharacters because untrusted input is used for part of the input data passed to an eval operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5470 affects Actual Analyzer software version 2014-08-29 and earlier, representing a critical code execution flaw that stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices. This vulnerability resides within the software's handling of user-supplied data that eventually gets processed through an eval operation, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can inject arbitrary code into the system. The flaw specifically manifests when untrusted input containing shell metacharacters is passed to a function that evaluates this data as code, bypassing normal security boundaries and allowing unauthorized execution of commands on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically highlighting the dangerous use of eval functions with untrusted input. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to leverage shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or command substitution operators that can be interpreted by the underlying shell when the vulnerable eval operation processes the malicious input. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of input validation failure and dynamic code execution, where the software fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before it reaches the eval function that interprets and executes the input as code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected versions of Actual Analyzer, as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or use as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement and persistence mechanisms that attackers can establish through the executed code. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Actual Analyzer is used for network monitoring or analysis, as these systems often run with elevated privileges and may be accessible from untrusted networks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows patterns consistent with the attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and script interpreters, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools and interpreters to execute malicious code. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Actual Analyzer, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, and applying network segmentation controls to limit access to affected systems. Additionally, monitoring for unusual command execution patterns and implementing web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of avoiding eval operations with user-controlled data and demonstrates the critical need for secure coding practices that prevent injection vulnerabilities in software applications.