CVE-2016-10320 in textract
Summary
by MITRE
textract before 1.5.0 allows OS Command Injection attacks via a filename in a call to the process function. This may be a remote attack if a web application accepts names of arbitrary uploaded files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10320 affects the textract library version 1.5.0 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that can be exploited to execute arbitrary operating system commands. This vulnerability resides within the process function of the library, where user-supplied filenames are directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw creates a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate input parameters to inject harmful commands that will be executed by the underlying operating system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and falls under the broader category of command injection attacks. When a web application utilizing textract accepts uploaded files with arbitrary names, it creates an opportunity for remote attackers to craft malicious filenames that contain OS commands. The library's failure to properly escape or validate input parameters means that attackers can append command separators, pipes, or other shell metacharacters to the filename, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms and gaining unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to data exfiltration, system enumeration, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation. Remote exploitation becomes particularly concerning when applications allow unrestricted file uploads, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise entire server environments. The attack vector is particularly dangerous in web applications where user input is directly processed without adequate security controls, making this vulnerability a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Organizations using affected versions of textract should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to version 1.5.0 or later, which contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing strict input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture, including file name sanitization, can help prevent exploitation attempts. Security measures should also include restricting file upload capabilities, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring for unusual system command executions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input handling and the potential for seemingly simple library functions to create significant security risks when not properly secured against injection attacks. This flaw underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks that emphasize proper input validation and command execution sanitization techniques.