CVE-2017-12904 in newsbeuter
Summary
by MITRE
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command in bookmarking function of Newsbeuter versions 0.7 through 2.9 allows remote attackers to perform user-assisted code execution by crafting an RSS item that includes shell code in its title and/or URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12904 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Newsbeuter RSS reader application across versions 0.7 through 2.9. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization in the bookmarking function, where user-provided data from RSS feeds is improperly processed without proper neutralization of special operating system command characters. The flaw specifically affects how the application handles RSS item titles and URLs, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary shell commands through carefully crafted feed content. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-77, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands, a classification that directly aligns with the command injection attack vector present in this flaw.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a user-assisted approach where remote attackers craft malicious RSS items containing shell code within either the title or URL fields of feed entries. When Newsbeuter processes these crafted items and attempts to create bookmarks, the application fails to properly escape or sanitize the input data, allowing the injected commands to be executed within the context of the application's privileges. The operating system command execution occurs during the bookmarking process, which typically involves system calls that can be manipulated through the improper handling of user input. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the victim's system, potentially leading to full system compromise depending on the privileges under which Newsbeuter operates.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12904 extends beyond simple command execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for remote attackers seeking to compromise systems that rely on Newsbeuter for RSS feed consumption. The vulnerability affects users who regularly consume RSS feeds from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in environments where feed aggregation is common. An attacker could potentially use this flaw to install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must interact with the malicious feed content, but this requirement is often overcome through social engineering or by using automated feed aggregation tools that automatically process and display content from multiple sources. This vulnerability directly maps to the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of operating system commands through the use of shell injection techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12904 should prioritize immediate version upgrades to Newsbeuter 2.10 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as feed filtering and content validation to prevent malicious RSS content from reaching vulnerable systems. The implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code is essential, requiring that all user-provided data be properly escaped or encoded before being processed in any system command contexts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing privilege separation for RSS reader applications, ensuring that Newsbeuter operates with minimal required permissions to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and the implementation of security awareness training for users who interact with RSS feeds, as social engineering remains a critical factor in successful exploitation of user-assisted vulnerabilities.