CVE-2014-9622 in xdg-utils
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in xdg-utils 1.1.0 RC1, when no supported desktop environment is identified, allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via the URL argument to xdg-open.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The CVE-2014-9622 vulnerability represents a critical evaluation injection flaw within the xdg-utils package version 1.1.0 RC1, specifically affecting the xdg-open utility that serves as a desktop environment agnostic launcher for URLs and files across unix-like systems. This vulnerability arises from the improper handling of URL arguments when the system fails to identify a supported desktop environment, creating a dangerous execution path that can be exploited by context-dependent attackers. The flaw exists in the way xdg-open processes command line arguments without adequate sanitization, particularly when falling back to default execution methods that do not properly validate input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the xdg-open utility's reliance on shell evaluation for executing commands when no desktop environment is detected. When the utility cannot determine the appropriate desktop environment, it defaults to using shell commands to open URLs, but fails to properly escape or validate the URL argument before incorporating it into shell execution contexts. This creates an injection vector where maliciously crafted URL arguments containing shell metacharacters can be interpreted and executed by the underlying shell, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing weaknesses in the improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running xdg-open, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system persistence mechanisms. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that exploitation requires the target system to lack proper desktop environment detection, which is common in server environments or minimal installations. This vulnerability affects systems using the freedesktop.org desktop standards and impacts various unix-like operating systems including linux distributions that rely on xdg-utils for standard desktop operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how this single vulnerability can enable multiple attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9622 focus on both immediate patching and operational hardening measures. The primary solution involves updating to xdg-utils versions that properly sanitize URL arguments and implement proper shell escaping when falling back to default execution methods. System administrators should also implement input validation at the application level, ensuring that URL arguments are properly escaped before being processed by shell commands. Additional operational controls include restricting execution permissions on xdg-open utilities, monitoring for suspicious execution patterns, and implementing network segmentation to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in utilities that interface with shell environments, emphasizing the need for defense-in-depth strategies that protect against similar injection vulnerabilities in system utilities.