CVE-2015-5474 in BitTorrent
Summary
by MITRE
BitTorrent and uTorrent allow remote attackers to inject command line parameters and execute arbitrary commands via a crafted URL using the (1) bittorrent or (2) magnet protocol.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5474 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting popular BitTorrent clients including BitTorrent and uTorrent. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the protocol handling mechanisms of these applications, specifically when processing specially crafted URLs. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct protocol vectors: the bittorrent protocol and the magnet protocol, both of which are commonly used for peer-to-peer file sharing operations. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious URLs that contain specially formatted command line parameters designed to be interpreted and executed by the affected clients.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of URL parsing logic within the BitTorrent clients. When these applications process maliciously crafted URLs, they fail to properly sanitize or validate the input parameters, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary commands that get executed in the context of the running client process. This command injection occurs at the protocol level where the applications interpret and execute the parameters contained within the URL, bypassing normal security controls and authentication mechanisms. The flaw essentially allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5474 extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Since the commands execute within the context of the BitTorrent client process, attackers can potentially access sensitive data, modify system configurations, install additional malware, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within a network. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where BitTorrent clients might be used for legitimate file sharing purposes, as it could be exploited through phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised social media platforms. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, which focus on command injection flaws and improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting execution through legitimate system utilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of BitTorrent and uTorrent clients, implementing network-level filtering to block malicious URLs, and deploying application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of unauthorized command line parameters. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of clicking unknown URLs and the importance of verifying source authenticity remains crucial in preventing exploitation of this vulnerability. The incident underscores the importance of robust input validation and secure coding practices in network protocol implementations, particularly for applications that process external data from untrusted sources.