CVE-2015-0859 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The Debian build procedure for the smokeping package in wheezy before 2.6.8-2+deb7u1 and jessie before 2.6.9-1+deb8u1 does not properly configure the way Apache httpd passes arguments to smokeping_cgi, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted CGI arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0859 represents a critical security flaw in the Debian smokeping package that affected versions prior to 2.6.8-2+deb7u1 for wheezy and 2.6.9-1+deb8u1 for jessie. This issue specifically targets the interaction between the Apache web server and the smokeping_cgi component, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied parameters can be improperly processed and executed within the system context. The flaw resides in how the Debian build procedure handles argument passing between Apache and the CGI script, establishing a pathway for remote code execution that could be exploited by malicious actors without authentication.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and argument handling within the smokeping package's Apache configuration. When Apache processes requests to the smokeping_cgi script, the build procedure fails to properly sanitize or escape command-line arguments that are passed to the CGI executable. This misconfiguration creates a classic command injection vulnerability where crafted HTTP parameters can be interpreted as shell commands by the underlying system. The vulnerability specifically affects the way Apache's mod_cgi or mod_fastcgi modules handle argument passing, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0859 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of the smokeping package. This vulnerability can be exploited from anywhere on the internet without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure monitoring systems that are often exposed to external networks. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain full control of the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or use as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on smokeping for network performance monitoring, which are commonly found in enterprise environments and critical infrastructure deployments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to the patched versions of the smokeping package available in Debian stable releases. The official Debian security advisories recommend updating to version 2.6.8-2+deb7u1 for wheezy systems and 2.6.9-1+deb8u1 for jessie systems to resolve the issue. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation at the web server level, configuring Apache to restrict argument passing to CGI scripts, and applying network-level restrictions to limit access to the smokeping interface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious parameter patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software across their infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing commands through web shell or CGI interface. The weakness demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in web applications and highlights how build procedures can introduce security flaws that persist in production environments. Organizations should review their software supply chain processes to ensure that build configurations properly handle command-line arguments and implement security testing that includes evaluating the interaction between web servers and CGI applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in other software packages.