CVE-2014-7209 in mime-support
Summary
by MITRE
run-mailcap in the Debian mime-support package before 3.52-1+deb7u1 allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7209 affects the run-mailcap utility within the Debian mime-support package, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This issue specifically manifests when the system processes filenames containing shell metacharacters, creating a dangerous execution path that bypasses normal security boundaries. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 3.52-1+deb7u1 of the mime-support package, making numerous Debian-based systems susceptible to exploitation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of filename strings within the run-mailcap utility, which is designed to execute appropriate mailcap programs based on file types. When a filename contains shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, the utility fails to properly sanitize or escape these characters before passing them to shell execution contexts. This lack of input validation creates a classic command injection vector where attacker-controlled data flows directly into shell commands without proper sanitization. The flaw operates at the application level and demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running run-mailcap, typically the mail processing daemon or system user. This capability allows for complete system compromise including data exfiltration, persistence mechanism installation, and lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various vectors including email attachments, web uploads, or any method that triggers the processing of malicious filenames through the affected mailcap system. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that exploitation requires specific conditions where the vulnerable utility processes attacker-controlled filenames, but once triggered, the impact can be devastating.
Organizations affected by CVE-2014-7209 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including patching to the fixed version 3.52-1+deb7u1 or later, which properly sanitizes input before shell execution. System administrators should also consider implementing additional controls such as restricting access to the run-mailcap utility, monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, and reviewing mail processing configurations to minimize exposure. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreters demonstrates its alignment with common attack patterns involving shell command injection, making it particularly dangerous in environments where email processing is prevalent. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact should exploitation occur, as this vulnerability does not require elevated privileges to exploit and can be triggered through normal user interaction with email systems.