CVE-2015-5704 in devscripts
Summary
by MITRE
scripts/licensecheck.pl in devscripts before 2.15.7 allows local users to execute arbitrary shell commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5704 resides within the devscripts package, specifically in the scripts/licensecheck.pl utility, which is part of a collection of scripts designed to assist developers in managing software packages and their licensing information. This particular script serves as a tool for checking license compliance and verifying the presence of proper licensing headers in source code files. The issue manifests in versions of devscripts prior to 2.15.7, where the script fails to properly sanitize user input before executing shell commands, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability falls under the category of command injection, which is classified as CWE-78 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, representing a critical security flaw where untrusted data is directly incorporated into shell command execution without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious commands that will be executed with the privileges of the user running the licensecheck.pl script, potentially leading to complete system compromise when the script is executed by users with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system infiltration. When local users can manipulate the input to licensecheck.pl, they can inject arbitrary shell commands that will be interpreted and executed by the underlying shell. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited in various scenarios including automated build processes, package management workflows, and development environments where the script might be invoked with elevated privileges. The attack surface is broad since licensecheck.pl is commonly used in package building and distribution workflows where developers and system administrators might execute the script as part of their routine operations, making the exploitation potential high. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 sub-technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically shell scripting, where adversaries can leverage such flaws to execute malicious commands and maintain persistent access to compromised systems.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2015-5704 requires immediate patching of the devscripts package to version 2.15.7 or later, which incorporates proper input sanitization and command execution mechanisms. Security administrators should prioritize updating systems running affected versions of devscripts, particularly in development environments and build servers where the script is frequently used. The fix typically involves implementing proper shell command escaping or using safe execution methods that prevent user input from being interpreted as shell commands. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of devscripts and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls can help mitigate the impact of such vulnerabilities by ensuring that scripts are not executed with elevated privileges when unnecessary. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in utilities that handle user-provided data and execute system commands, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks and various secure coding guidelines that emphasize the need for proper sanitization of inputs to prevent injection attacks.